Cambodia, Thailand to fight malaria on border

BANGKOK, Aug 2 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Army medical department in cooperation with Cambodia's Ministry of Defense have launched a joint two-year development project to both prevent and contain malaria along their mutual border, deputy Thai Army spokeswoman Col. Sirichan Ngathong said Thursday.

The cooperation to combat the mosquito-borne disease officially begins October 1, 2007 extending through September 30, 2009.

Under the cooperative framework, the two countries will promote skill development of their medical staff and instruct the public to protect themselves from the disease.

Cambodia and Thailand will also develop joint diagnosis, treatment, and research on drug resistance.

They have designated at-risk zones in the two countries to focus on surveillance and disease control in special areas in Thailand's Surin, Trat, and Nonthaburi provinces and in Pailin, Koh Kong, and Udonmeechai on the Cambodian side.

Besides the establishment of a working committee, the two countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a framework for the project. The cooperation to fight malaria will pave the way for the two parties' cooperation in eradicating other diseases along the border in the future. (TNA)-E004