From fragmentation to coordination: strengthening One Health research to support H5N1 preparedness in Cambodia
Sao Puth1, Luis Sagaon-Teyssier1,2, Chanroth Chhoung1
1The Global Health Research Center (GHRC), University of Health Sciences (UHS), 73 Preah Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Sras Chok, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Objectives:
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) remains a major zoonotic threat, characterized by persistent transmission in Cambodia since its re-emergence in 2023. Despite strengthened surveillance and the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on One Health, limited integration of research across sectors constrains preparedness and response. This viewpoint examines how research supports the One Health system in Cambodia.
Methods:
This viewpoint draws on insights obtained from the first national multistakeholder workshop on H5N1, held in March 2026.
Results:
Fragmentation across epidemiological, clinical, behavioral, environmental, and genomic domains limits the generation of actionable evidence and delays its translation into policy.
Conclusion:
We propose the establishment of a multisectoral technical working group on H5N1 research embedded within the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on One Health to align research priorities, strengthen data integration, and improve evidence-to-policy translation. This approach could enhance national preparedness while simultaneously positioning Cambodia as a model for coordinated One Health research in the Western Pacific region and beyond.
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