Phnom Penh Honored by WHO for Urban Health Improvement

Phnom Penh has been honored with the 2026 World Health Organization (WHO) award for urban health improvement, recognizing its successful "School Zone Traffic Safety Project." This award highlights the city's efforts in enhancing urban mobility safety and reducing health inequalities. During a meeting on September 3, 2026, Ms. Dou Somposa, Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh, along with representatives from the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office, shared the city's experience in achieving this recognition. She explained that the "School Zone Safety" project commenced in 2025 with financial support from Vital Strategies through the Partnership for Healthy Cities. The project was initially piloted at two schools: Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship School and Hun Sen Chak Angre Primary and Secondary School. These locations were chosen due to their presence at key entry-exit points of Phnom Penh, characterized by heavy traffic and inherent risks. The project implemented three main measures: 1. Risk assessment of traffic safety around schools using the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) methodology. 2. Infrastructure improvements and modern equipment installation, including traffic signs, road markings, smart speed cameras, and surveillance systems. 3. Strengthening existing measures by deploying traffic police and personnel during peak student arrival and departure times to facilitate traffic flow and mitigate risks. 4. Enhancing knowledge and attitudes towards traffic safety through training and public awareness campaigns for students and the community. 5. Establishing sustainable partnerships among all stakeholders to further expand school zone safety initiatives. Ms. Somposa further noted that in June 2026, the WHO announced its call for nominations for eight major themes focused on improving urban health and safety. Phnom Penh submitted its "School Zone Traffic Safety Project," competing with over 150 cities from the Asia-Pacific region. Following a rigorous technical evaluation, the WHO selected eight cities representing these themes. Phnom Penh received the award for its efforts in "Safe, Active Transport and Health Promotion: Improving Health and Reducing Inequality in Urban Mobility," through its "School Zone Traffic Safety Project." The award ceremony took place at the 11th World Congress of the Partnership for Healthy Cities in Sydney, Australia. Source: CPP Cambodia