The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the World Bank (WB) in advancing the health sector, with particular focus on enhancing healthcare quality and equity. This solidarity effort underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two institutions.

This resolution was reached as Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng met with the WB executive director Young Park during Park’s visit to Cambodia, according to the June 2 press statement from the ministry.

Bun Heng acknowledged the WB’s considerable contributions to Cambodia’s health sector since 1997.

“The World Bank has significantly aided health development through numerous projects,” he said.

The minister went on to enumerate the key projects, such as efforts to combat communicable diseases, the Health Development Project (1997-2002), the Health Protection Project (2003-2010), its second phase (2008-2016), the Health Equity and Quality Improvement projects (first phase: 2016-2022, second phase: 2022-2027).

The Cambodia Nutrition Project (2019-2024), the Covid-19 Emergency Response Project (2020-2022), and the project to strengthen Cambodia’s pre-service education system for health professionals (2020-2026) were also highlighted.

In response, Park lauded the Cambodian government and the Ministry of Health for their effective management and containment of Covid-19 over the past two years.

“The Ministry of Health has cooperated closely with UNICEF, facilitating successful execution of the World Bank’s missions,” he stated.

Park further encouraged support from the minister to help accomplish Cambodia’s sustainable development goals as planned. He emphasised the World Bank’s intent to continue cooperation for the foreseeable future.