Publications by authors named "V Ouk"

Objectives: Globally, there is a lack of evidence regarding access to and utilisation of antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs). This might hinder public health interventions to increase testing. We conducted a survey to understand access to and utilisation of COVID-19 Ag-RDT among residents in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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Introduction: The South and Southeast Asia region has the second-highest number of people living with HIV globally. Despite progress in reducing HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths, the region still has a long way to go in achieving the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment and viral suppression targets. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization as an additional approach to HIV testing.

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To determine antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, we analyzed phenotypes and genomes of 72 isolates collected in Cambodia in 2023. Of those, 9/72 (12.5%) were extensively drug resistant, a 3-fold increase from 2022.

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Article Synopsis
  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health issue, particularly for gonorrhoea treatment, with ceftriaxone being the last effective option, yet resistance cases from Asia have been reported.
  • A study conducted by the WHO in Cambodia analyzed 437 male patients from January 2022 to June 2023, revealing resistance rates of 15.4% for ceftriaxone and high levels for other antibiotics, including 6.2% of samples being extensively drug-resistant (XDR).
  • The findings emphasize the urgent need for improved AMR surveillance, updates to treatment protocols, mandatory follow-up testing, and the development of new antibiotics to effectively combat gonorrhoea.
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Several COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic tests have been approved in Cambodia, but no evidence exists about the access to and utilization of these tests. This limits public health interventions to increase testing, especially among vulnerable populations such as people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted a mixed method study among PLWH in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, between July and August 2022 to understand their current Ag-RDT access and utilization levels, as well as key barriers and drivers.

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