Phnom Penh, June 21, 2024 – On the afternoon of June 20, 2024, Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia met with Saia Mau Piukala, Director-General of the World Health Organization for the Western Pacific, at the Peace Palace.
During the meeting, Piukala expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss ongoing health initiatives and praised Cambodia’s significant strides in healthcare, illustrated by his visits to Calmette and Chaktomuk Referral Hospitals. He remarked on the advancements as a result of dedicated leadership and comprehensive governmental efforts spanning multiple mandates, highlighting Cambodia's substantial progress in the health sector.
Piukala informed the Prime Minister of WHO’s readiness to provide technical support and expertise to further enhance Cambodia’s health services, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures against future infectious diseases. He noted that regional collaboration could be pivotal in improving health standards for nearly 1.9 billion people in the Western Pacific, ensuring accessible, quality healthcare.
Prime Minister Hun Manet welcomed Piukala and underscored the productive relationship between WHO and Cambodia, expressing optimism that their partnership would bolster Cambodia's health system. The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to human capital development with healthcare as a cornerstone, particularly in mental health and educational enhancements.
Further, Hun Manet detailed efforts to expand regional healthcare facilities, including pilot projects for regional hospitals in Siem Reap and Kampong Cham, aimed at advancing healthcare accessibility and quality.
He highlighted Cambodia’s drive towards universal health coverage, focusing on enhancing social health care systems and primary care capacities at health centers and district hospitals. The government has initiated the "Roadmap for Global Health Coverage in Cambodia 2024-2035" to further this goal.
Concluding the meeting, Hun Manet thanked the WHO for its enduring support, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and wished Piukala a successful continuation of his visit to Cambodia.
