AKP Phnom Penh, August 17, 2026 --

Cambodia's Ministry of Health and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh have agreed to fast-track the implementation of their 2026-2030 health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to ensure long-term sustainability and achieve universal health coverage (UHC).

The agreement was reached Monday morning during a meeting between Minister of Health H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. H.E. Ms. Aleksandra Zittle at the ministry's headquarters.

Minister Chheang Ra expressed gratitude for Washington’s long-standing support for Cambodia’s healthcare sector, highlighting key assistance in combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as strengthening global health security, disease surveillance, and laboratory capacity.

He outlined Cambodia’s national health priorities under the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy and the Health Strategic Plan 2025-2034. These focus on expanding UHC, fortifying health security, controlling both communicable and non-communicable diseases, advancing human resources, and accelerating digital health initiatives.

Both sides reviewed progress on bilateral agreements, including the 2026-2030 Health MoU and joint initiatives with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across research, disease surveillance, laboratory capabilities, influenza response, and workforce development. Regular technical meetings will be established to monitor progress and address operational challenges.

During the meeting, the Minister thanked the U.S. side for providing medical equipment to the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT), proposing an official handover ceremony in late September or early October 2026.

The U.S. delegation also announced an additional donation of 200,000 mosquito traps to aid Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to contain and prevent dengue fever outbreaks, with shipment acceleration underway.

The meeting underscores the continuing partnership between Cambodia and the United States to build resilient health systems and improve public health outcomes across the Kingdom.

By K. Rithy Reak