Cambodia's Ministry of Women's Affairs and Fred Hollows Foundation Deepen Partnership to Expand Equitable Eye Health Services

Cambodia's Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Fred Hollows Foundation have agreed to strengthen their partnership to expand equitable and inclusive eye health care services, particularly for vulnerable women and children. The collaboration aims to address gender disparities in access to information and healthcare. On September 7, 2026, Minister of Women's Affairs Ing Kantha Phavi met with representatives from the Fred Hollows Foundation to discuss gender issues in eye health care. The meeting aimed to assess progress in the eye health sector and explore opportunities to further deepen cooperation with development partners and the Cambodian government, with the goal of improving eye health care services for the populace, especially women, girls, and students. Ross Piper, Executive Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Women's Affairs and the Department of Women and Health of the Directorate General of Social Affairs for their excellent cooperation with the Fred Hollows Foundation. According to the foundation, this collaboration has significantly advanced the eye health and gender sectors in Cambodia, contributing to advancements in health, education, and public awareness among citizens and students. These achievements have been widely disseminated and highly praised by stakeholders on the international stage. Minister Ing Kantha Phavi also thanked the Fred Hollows Foundation for its cooperation and support in promoting eye health in Cambodia, particularly in reducing gender gaps, improving access to knowledge, and encouraging citizens to receive eye health care services. The minister highlighted the importance of expanding education and awareness about eye health to target groups facing challenges or limitations in accessing information and services. These groups include women in rural and remote areas, individuals from low-income households, workers in the construction and garment sectors, regular users of digital devices, and those affected by war or emergency situations. Expanding education and outreach to these target groups is expected to enhance understanding of eye health care and prevention, reduce the risk of eye problems, and ensure timely access to information, examination, and treatment for the population. The Ministry of Women's Affairs looks forward to continuing a strong cooperative relationship and strengthening its partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation to jointly promote the health, well-being, and empowerment of women and families, especially vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive information and services tailored to their specific needs in an equitable and inclusive manner. Source: AKP Khmer