Cambodia and Global Fund Strengthen Partnership to Sustain Gains Against AIDS, TB, and Malaria

Cambodia's Ministry of Health met with the Global Fund Country Team for Cambodia on September 15th to strengthen cooperation in maintaining achievements in combating AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria, and in preparing for the implementation of the 8th Replenishment (GC8) support. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Health, was attended by Minister of Health Professor Chheang Ra, Ms. Sylwia Murray, Fund Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund, Ms. Patricia Ongpin, Country Director for UNAIDS in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam, along with leaders and relevant technical officials from the Ministry of Health. Minister Chheang Ra expressed his gratitude to the Global Fund for its years of cooperation and continued support for Cambodia's health sector and its people, which has significantly contributed to the country's response to HIV, TB, and Malaria, as well as the strengthening of its health system, communities, laboratories, and health supply chains. The Minister stated that GC8 represents a new strategic phase towards sustainability, integration, and national ownership. The integration of HIV, TB, and Malaria into the primary healthcare system will be implemented in stages, maintaining specialized expertise, services, and close engagement with communities affected by these three diseases, which has contributed significantly to Cambodia's exemplary regional achievements. Ms. Sylwia Murray highlighted the strategic maintenance and strengthening of the involvement of Non-State Actors, including community organizations, civil society, and NGOs, in GC8, recognizing their crucial role in reaching key populations and vulnerable groups. During the meeting, Cambodia requested the Global Fund to continue providing flexibility and technical support to ensure GC8 resources are focused on high-impact interventions, protecting community services and essential human resources, supporting integration into the primary healthcare system, and strengthening sustainable financing mechanisms. Minister Chheang Ra reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to working closely with the Global Fund and relevant partners to protect the achievements made by Cambodia, reach those who have not yet received services, strengthen the health system, and enhance national ownership more effectively and sustainably. Source: AKP Khmer