AKP Phnom Penh, May 18, 2026 —

Cambodian Health Minister H.E. Professor Chheang Ra and the country’s UN envoy in Geneva, H.E. Ke Sovann, met on Sunday to consolidate health strategy just hours before the opening of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79).

Held at Cambodia’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the talks focused on finalising strategic proposals for the May 18-4323 assembly, which this year carries the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility.”

Officials said the Cambodian delegation will spotlight three national priorities: accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC), cementing gains toward malaria elimination, and advancing the “One Health” initiative—an integrated approach balancing human, animal, and environmental health.

H.E. Minister Chheang Ra reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to working with international partners on pressing global health challenges.

Ambassador H.E. Ke Sovann, meanwhile, underscored Geneva’s role as a critical diplomatic hub for elevating Cambodia’s health diplomacy on the world stage.

Both sides pledged continued coordination to advance sustainable development goals and improve public health outcomes for the Cambodian people

By K. Rithy Reak