AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2026 -- Cambodia’s Minister of Health, H.E. Professor Chheang Ra, met with the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator, H.E. Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, on Thursday to reinforce a long-standing partnership aimed at transforming the nation's healthcare landscape.

The high-level meeting, held at the Ministry of Health, served as an official introduction for H.E. Ms. Andreeva and a platform to align UN support with Cambodia’s ambitious "Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1."

The discussions centred on the integrated efforts of over 10 UN agencies—including the WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP—currently operating in Cambodia. The joint portfolio covers critical areas such as maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases, digital health innovation, and nutrition.

"The UN remains a vital partner in our journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC)," H.E. Professor Chheang Ra said, acknowledging the organisation's role in maintaining health services during periods of socio-economic volatility and border-related humanitarian challenges.

The Minister emphasised that the Resident Coordinator’s oversight is essential for ensuring aid efficiency and preventing the duplication of efforts across various health programmes. He specifically lauded the UN's commitment to the "Leave No One Behind" principle, noting their rapid response in providing essential services to displaced populations during recent regional tensions.

In response, H.E. Ms. Andreeva reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2024–2028). This strategic roadmap is designed to support Cambodia as it prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029 and works toward its high-income country vision for 2050.

Key priorities for the coming years include: Strengthening the healthcare infrastructure to withstand future global health shocks; Integrating health outcomes with socio-economic development post-pandemic; Leveraging UN expertise to optimize development assistance structures.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging to deepen cooperation, ensuring that every Cambodian citizen has equitable access to high-quality healthcare as the nation moves toward its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

By K. Rithy Reak