The Global Fund has reaffirmed its steadfast support for Cambodia’s health sector, pledging to continue collaboration in eliminating malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS, according to the Ministry of Health.
The commitment was highlighted during a courtesy call on Wednesday between Cambodian Health Minister H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra and a Global Fund delegation led by Country Team Manager Ms. Sylwia Murray at the Ministry’s headquarters.
During the talks, H.E. Chheang Ra expressed gratitude for the Global Fund’s consistent grant financing, which is channeled through the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He noted that the support is instrumental in bolstering the Ministry’s policies and enhancing the resilience of the national healthcare system.
“Through this financial assistance, our three national centres for HIV, TB, and malaria are implementing strategic plans backed by the Royal Government to end these public health threats,” the Minister said.
For her part, Ms. Sylwia Murray congratulated the Ministry on achieving key milestones despite a challenging global landscape. She emphasised that the Global Fund has maintained a close partnership with Cambodia since 2002, notably extending cooperation to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.
The two sides discussed sustainability and transition plans for national health programmes amidst a global economic downturn and shifting foreign aid priorities. As external funding decreases, the Ministry is focusing on integrating critical interventions into primary healthcare services.
Prof. Chheang Ra reiterated Cambodia’s stance on doubling domestic efforts to ensure no citizen is left behind, aligned with the Seventh Mandate Royal Government’s strategy under Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to strengthen primary healthcare and achieve universal health coverage.
Looking ahead, the Global Fund confirmed its partnership for the Health Strategic Plan 2025-2034 (HSP4). The organisation will also support Cambodia in preparing for the eighth round of Global Fund grant applications for the 2027-2029 cycle.
The Minister urged the Global Fund to continue working with the Ministry’s project leadership to explore innovative technical methods to maximise project efficiency and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s health achievements.
