Phnom Penh: Minister of Health, Mam Bunheng, has told the leaders of the countries in the Western Pacific that behind the success of Cambodia's fight against Covid-19 has been leadership, investment in the health system, public participation and solidarity.

Speaking at the 72nd Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific, which has 37 member countries and territories, Mam Bunheng said that Cambodia was currently in the process of revising its response strategy to Covid-19 in order to learn "how to live with the virus" while allowing schools and the economy to reopen safely in the near future.

He shared that these successes come from decision-making leadership and involvement of the entire government, as well as investment in security, health and health systems, public participation throughout the community and individual solidarity and partnership.

He also stated that Cambodia had the ambition to vaccinate people in accordance with its “blossom strategy", which has made Cambodia successful in vaccinating people aged 6 years and older to the level of about 85% of the total population.

“Stopping the epidemic is our common goal," he said. “Peace, social security, solidarity and cooperation are essential. Cambodia is working with countries, the World Health Organization and all partners for a better future towards a healthier and safer world."

In the August and September 2021 bulletins, ASEAN recognized Cambodia as one of the most successful countries in the fight against Covid-19 through a nationwide vaccination campaign.

As of 24 October 2021, Cambodia has vaccinated more than 13.6 million people against Covid-19, equivalent to 85.4% of the total population of 16 million.