Phnom Penh: The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Cambodia and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have announced a landmark partnership to dramatically improve public health services in Rattanakiri province. H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra, Cambodian Minister of Health, and Ms. Moon Jung CHOI, Country Director of the KOICA Cambodia Office, signed the “Project for Strengthening the Comprehensive Public Health System in Rattanakiri Province” in Phnom Penh.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, backed by a US$7 million grant from the Korean government, the project will enhance healthcare accessibility and quality from 2025 to 2030. From 2019 to 2023, KOICA has been dedicated to improving maternal and child health in Rattanakiri through the ‘KOICA Project for Strengthening Maternal and Child Health in North-eastern Regions in Cambodia,’ amounting to US$7.7 million. This initiative has enabled mothers in the most marginalized area to give birth in better health conditions, significantly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
The National Health Congress report indicates that Rattanakiri province achieved the highest national rates of pregnant women receiving at least two antenatal care visits in 2024. Additionally, the province also reached the top position for health facility delivery rates. Building on the success of its previous initiative, KOICA continues its efforts to enhance public health services in Rattanakiri.
The focus areas include the modernization of medical facilities at Rattanakiri Provincial Referral Hospital and Koun Mom Referral Hospital, improving the healthcare service delivery capacity of medical personnel, strengthening public health management capabilities, and promoting community awareness through health education. H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra expressed that this partnership marks a significant stride in improving health outcomes for the people of Rattanakiri province.
“We deeply appreciate the Korean government’s support and look forward to a successful collaboration,” he said. The new initiative, carefully planned in alignment with Cambodia’s national health strategy and the international community’s SDGs, is expected to further improve the public health and medical system in Rattanakiri, a province located far from the capital, with the support of the Korean government.
This project embodies Korea’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s efforts in achieving Universal Health Coverage, stated Ms. Moon Jung CHOI. “By strengthening Rattanakiri’s healthcare infrastructure and workforce, we aim to create lasting, positive change,” she said.