UNFPA: Indispensable Strategic Partner for Cambodia's Health Sector, Says Health Minister

AKP Phnom Penh, August 5, 2026 -- Cambodian Minister of Health H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra has praised the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as an "indispensable strategic partner," highlighting the strong alignment between UNFPA’s country programme and Cambodia's national development agenda. Speaking during a meeting at the Ministry on Tuesday with UNFPA Country Representative to Cambodia Ms. Sandra Bernklau, H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra noted that the agency's initiatives directly support the Royal Government of Cambodia's Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1 and the National Health Strategic Plan - Phase 4. The meeting aimed to brief the Ministry of Health on UN system reform efforts (UN80), UNFPA’s new strategic plan incorporating Strategic Outcome 4, and joint commitments toward achieving the "Three Zeros" targets by 2030. Expressing appreciation for Bernklau’s strategic leadership since assuming her role in August 2022, H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra commended UNFPA's continued partnership in promoting sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and youth development across the Southeast Asian nation. The Minister reaffirmed Cambodia's support for the UN reforms and highlighted key milestones achieved through joint cooperation, including the rollout of the National Strategy on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights 2025-2034, the distribution of emergency aid and Dignity Kits to vulnerable women and girls in border regions, and the nationwide expansion of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) standards. He also emphasised ongoing joint efforts to strengthen the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system and train healthcare personnel to sustain reductions in maternal mortality nationwide. By K. Rithy Reak