In life, you fight many a battle. Some you lose, some you win and the rest just remain as unwarranted, life-long struggles! Narong Khuntikeo from Thailand is in a similar ordeal right now. I’ll tell you from the beginning…
It was only after medical school that Narong Khuntikeo finally discovered what killed his parents- their lunch.
Apparently, Koi pla, a cheap plate of raw fish grounded with herb, spices and lemon juice, gave them the fatal Cholangiocarcinoma- cancer that arises from the cells within the bile ducts in the liver.
The man is on a mission since then…
Dr Narong now travels across rural areas of Thailand to spread awareness and educate masses about the deadly delicacy. The raw fish carry parasitic flatworms also known as liver flukes, native to freshwater fish in the Mekong region.
Statistics suggest the meals cause a type of liver cancer that is believed to be killing up to 20,000 Thais per year. The dish which is relished by millions is particularly popular in one of Thailand’s poorest regions, Isaan.
In his efforts, a team of scientists, doctors and anthropologists are working against the silent killer and encouraging locals to take tests. His team has already spent four years driving ultrasound machines and urine testing kits around the Isaan region, testing villagers for the parasite.
If this won’t keep the memory of his parents alive, I’m not sure if anything will. Just wish he didn’t have to go through so much for being able to help others.
News Source: The Guardian
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