Australians know the dangers of asbestos all too well. Each year, more than 4,000 die here from asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). In our region, these dangers are less well understood, which is why we’re working to build awareness of the dangers and the health capacity to deal with them adequately across Southeast Asia. We do this vital work with the support of, amongst others, the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) and the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA).
The latest step in this effort took place in Phnom Penh, where health professionals from across Cambodia gathered for hands-on training to identify, diagnose, and treat asbestos and dust-related diseases. During the opening of the training, Cambodia’s Minister of Health, His Excellency Prof. Chheang Ra, addressed participants and reaffirmed his commitment to leading the country toward a transition away from asbestos. His presence sent a strong message: protecting workers’ health and moving beyond asbestos is now a national priority.
Over three days, Australian experts in pathology, radiology, oncology, and epidemiology shared their skills with Cambodian health practitioners. Many of the trainees reported that they were previously unaware of ARD and how asbestos exposure leads to asbestosis and cancers such as mesothelioma. More than half of the attendees had never heard of mesothelioma, and over a third were unaware of asbestosis. By the end, participants reported feeling equipped to better recognise and diagnose these diseases, a critical step in protecting workers from preventable harm.
Cambodia currently records an estimated 115 deaths from asbestos-related diseases each year, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study, and in 2021 imported more than 5,500 tonnes of asbestos-containing materials, mostly in corrugated roofing sheets. As long as these products continue to be used, construction workers, builders, and communities remain at risk.
Participants called the training both valuable and eye-opening. Australian specialists will continue supporting Cambodian health professionals through follow-up mentoring and online case discussions to ensure this new knowledge is applied in practice.
The program also saw the launch of a new global nursing scholarship, funded by Mesothelioma UK, which will allow nurses to undertake further training in England — helping to strengthen the global network of health professionals fighting asbestos-related diseases.
Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s work in Cambodia builds on years of solidarity across the region, supporting the shift away from asbestos use and standing with workers demanding safer workplaces for all.
The Asbestos. Not here. Not anywhere campaign is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
