AKP Phnom Penh, May 19, 2026 --

Minister of Health of Cambodia H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra has delivered a national statement at the plenary session of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, calling for greater international solidarity and equity in building resilient health systems.

Addressing representatives from 185 member states on May 19, at around 15:00 (or 20:00 in Cambodia), under the theme “Reshaping Global Health: A Shared Responsibility,” the Cambodian Health Minister highlighted Cambodia’s major achievements in strengthening its healthcare system, particularly in the post-COVID-19 period.

H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2035 and outlined several priority areas in the country’s health sector development.

These priorities include strengthening primary healthcare systems, enhancing protection against health risks, improving preparedness and response to public health emergencies, promoting international solidarity, and supporting reforms within the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Minister stressed that global health is currently at a critical turning point that will profoundly shape the future. “The future of global health depends fundamentally on local capacity building, equity, and diversity,” he stated during his intervention.

He also underscored the importance of collective responsibility and stronger international cooperation to address emerging health challenges and ensure sustainable health development worldwide.

According to the Ministry of Health, H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra’s participation and intervention at WHA79 reflected Cambodia’s responsible leadership and clear vision in contributing to global health efforts while promoting international collaboration toward sustainable global health reform.

By C. Nika