NONG KHAI – Khon Kaen University’s Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute has partnered with the Nong Khai Provincial Public Health Office to enhance the skills of frontline health personnel in the fight against liver fluke disease and bile duct cancer.

A series of workshops were held from July 30 to August 4, 2025, for over 900 primary healthcare officials and Village Health Volunteers (VHVs). The training, which covered five districts—Fao Rai, Phon Phisai, Tha Bo, Rattanawapi, and Pho Tak—aims to achieve 100% screening for liver fluke parasites across the province.

Participants were equipped with accurate knowledge about the diseases and trained in practical skills, including verbal screening techniques for at-risk groups and the use of the OV-ATK urine test kit for rapid and precise early detection.

The initiative is expected to empower the trained volunteers to effectively communicate health information within their communities, leading to more comprehensive screening coverage. The data gathered will also be used to develop risk maps and guide proactive health interventions in each area.

A second round of training is scheduled for August 13-15, 2025, for personnel in the remaining districts of Si Chiang Mai, Sakhrai, Mueang Nong Khai, and Sangkhom. This will complete the preparations for a full-scale, province-wide screening campaign.

This project reflects Khon Kaen University’s “University for Society” mission, translating academic knowledge into tangible actions that improve public quality of life. By empowering local health workers, the university aims to create a sustainable, community-based defense against disease, reducing the burden on the public health system and strengthening community resilience.

 

Credit: Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute