In Koh Kong, children are united against mosquito-borne illness. Through education, they are empowered with vital knowledge to protect themselves from malaria and dengue fever. Amid uncertainty, mobilisation takes place—not with weapons, but with words, posters, and the bright energy of schoolchildren.
As military tensions rose along Cambodia’s border in late July, fear and uncertainty spread quickly through the country. By 24 July 2025, news of escalating clashes near the Cambodian–Thai border had begun to unsettle families, and anxiety grew.
But something quieter was taking root in the schools of coastal Koh Kong. Here, children were gathering not in fear, but in focus. Not to flee, but to learn.
School-based campaigns on malaria and dengue fever prevention empowered young students with life-saving knowledge. In communities where illness and misinformation often travel faster than help, these simple lessons are an important form of protection.
The Message That Matters: Be Smarter Than Mosquitoes!
The posters, created by Aide et Action / Action Education, as part of the CO-SAVED project, co-funded by the European Union, help children understand how to prevent dengue fever and malaria—two mosquito-borne diseases that pose serious health risks in Cambodia’s coastal provinces.
The first poster, “Dengue Fever – Protect Yourself!”, explains how dengue spreads and what symptoms to look for—fever, headaches, red spots, and fatigue. It urges students to clean their surroundings, wear long clothes, use mosquito repellent, and tell an adult if they feel unwell.
The second poster, “Malaria – Be Smarter Than Mosquitoes!”, focuses on malaria prevention, especially at night. It teaches children to always sleep under nets, keep their homes clean, and seek medical care immediately if symptoms like chills, sweating, or fatigue appear.
Posters, Not Panic: Knowledge Over Fear
While headlines spoke of armed movement and strained diplomacy, colourful posters told a different story—one of prevention, care, and quiet resilience.
On 22 July, at Andoung Teuk Primary School, students pointed to bright posters showing mosquitoes, red spots, and sleeping nets. On 23 July, at Chea Trey Primary School, laughter filled the air as children learned new words like “repellent” and “standing water.”
And on 24 July—the very day the military fighting intensified—teaching continued at New Development Village Primary School.
Today, Ann Channy, our field officer, explained: “Our project reaches Kiri Sakor, Sre Ambil, and Botum Sakor districts, where schools did not close. However, some students have been absent after hearing fake news that the war would extend to the Cambodian–Thai border in Koh Kong as well.”
Nevertheless, the health campaign has already left its mark. Students carry now a just health message for their families: “We can learn to protect ourselves. We can help each other.”
In uncertain times, promoting malaria and dengue prevention is highly relevant and responsible—especially if displacement or disruption to services were to become a reality. For now, these communities’ journey is not driven by conflict—but the steady voices of their children, learning how to keep their world safe.
Health. Education. Peace.
For all.
