AKP Phnom Penh, May 21, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Minister of Health, H.E. Professor Chheang Ra, and Japan’s Chief Medical and Global Health Officer, H.E. Dr. Sakoi, reaffirmed their nations’ long-standing health partnership during a bilateral meeting on May 20, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The talks centred on advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthening Cambodia’s health system through continued Japanese support.

Minister H.E. Chheang Ra expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia and its people for Japan’s enduring partnership. He highlighted Japan’s pivotal role in helping Cambodia build a resilient healthcare system, particularly in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, providing specialised medical and leadership training for health personnel, and expanding hospital infrastructure across the country.

H.E. Dr. Sakoi, who also serves as Vice-Minister at Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, commended Cambodia’s proactive efforts in adapting to global health challenges. He reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment through ongoing training programmes and upcoming health forums.

H.E. Dr. Sakoi also expressed Japan’s readiness to collaborate on expanding physical medical facilities and enhancing health service delivery in Cambodia.

To ensure future initiatives are grounded in local realities, Dr. Sakoi sought direct feedback and insights from Minister H.E. Chheang Ra on persistent healthcare challenges. This exchange, he noted, will help shape more effective global health implementation strategies.

Japan remains one of Cambodia’s foremost development partners in the health sector, driving critical advancements through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and a range of bilateral projects.

By K. Rithy Reak