Sokrin Khun (1), Lenore Manderson (2)

(1) National Centre for Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, Cambodia
(2) School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Australia

Abstract
The prevention and control strategies for dengue fever require community involvement to succeed. Drawing on data collected in 2003–2004 as part of an ethnographic study in eastern Cambodia, we explore the role of community participation and the factors that influence its success in the prevention and control of dengue fever in Cambodia. Community participation has the potential for effective and efficient control of the disease, but this is subject to how communities are engaged in specific activities. Historical, political, social and economic factors have undermined the social institutions and conventions in the study villages that could facilitate community involvement. In particular, poverty and differences
in local interests influence the capacity for people to be involved. Villagers regarded the maintenance of the domestic environment as a personal responsibility and were reluctant to extend their action to a wider domain. Comprehensive programmes, which draw on local institutions and understandings of community and enable community members to participate in the planning and management of prevention and control activities, are essential to ensure programme sustainability and effectiveness.