PHNOM PENH, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) on Monday donated one million U.S. dollars to Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital for treating Cambodian children suffering from dengue fever and newly diagnosed Enterovirus 71 (EV-71).
The donation was offered by Prime Minister Hun Sen's wife and president of CRC Bun Rany to Dr. Beat Richner, president of the hospital.
The Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital is the largest pediatric one in Cambodia. The five-branch hospital in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province is covering 85 percent of all Cambodian sick children and providing services free-of-charge.
Every day, more than 2,000 children have seen admitted to the hospital.
"The donation will help the hospital fight against dengue fever, EV-71 and other children diseases," deputy secretary- general of the CRC Men Neary Sopheak told reporters after the donation ceremony.
The donation was made after the country has been plagued with EV-71, which causes hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). The severe form of HFMD has killed at least 54 Cambodian children since April, according to a joint statement from Cambodia's Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization on July 12.
HFMD virus is contagious from person to person by direct contact with nose or throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons.
Good hygiene practice can prevent HFMD. Presently, there is no specific treatment available for HFMD, said the joint statement. Parents should seek medical advice if their children develop high fever, vomit, lethargy and limb weakness.
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