AKP Phnom Penh, August 12, 2026 --

Parliamentary delegates and health-sector representatives from 16 countries attending the 9th Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (9th APPF-GH) on Aug. 12 made a field visit to Kampot province to learn about local healthcare services in Cambodia.

The delegates visited Ang Phnom Touch Health Centre in Angkor Chey district and Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital in Bokor city to gain first-hand experience of healthcare delivery at the local level.

The field visit was led and coordinated by H.E. Ms. Lork Kheng, Chairwoman of Commission 8 of the National Assembly and Chairwoman of the 9th APPF-GH Organising Committee, together with leaders and members of the National Assembly and Senate, as well as senior officials of the Secretariat-General of the National Assembly.

Upon the delegation’s arrival, H.E. Dr. Mao Thonin, Governor of Kampot province, warmly welcomed the delegates and expressed his pleasure at receiving them in the province. He highlighted the significance of the field visit in promoting exchanges and providing delegates with first-hand experience of local healthcare services.

Governor Mao Thonin then gave a presentation on Kampot province, highlighting its development potential and distinctive features, including natural resources, agriculture, tourism and cultural heritage, as well as opportunities for sustainable development.

The visit is an important part of the three-day 9th APPF-GH, hosted by the Parliament of the Kingdom of Cambodia from Aug. 11 to 13, 2026 under the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the Era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence,” with the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a key technical partner.

At Ang Phnom Touch Health Centre, delegates learned about Cambodia’s community-based primary health care services and how local health facilities bring essential healthcare closer to communities. They also observed practical approaches to improving access to quality services as Cambodia advances toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

At Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital, a non-profit hospital and training centre, delegates learned about the contribution of the non-profit private sector to healthcare delivery and its complementary role in strengthening Cambodia’s health system.

The field visit provided delegates with practical insights and good practices in community-based primary health care and inclusive healthcare delivery that can contribute to advancing health and well-being across the Asia-Pacific region.

As part of the field visit, representatives of the participating delegations also planted commemorative trees at Ang Phnom Touch Health Centre and Sonja Kill Memorial Hospital, symbolising friendship, solidarity and a shared commitment to stronger regional health cooperation.

The visit also reflected a key message of the 9th APPF-GH: achieving UHC requires not only political commitment, legislation and adequate financing, but also accessible, quality health services that respond to the needs of people and communities.

On the occasion, H.E. Ms. Lork Kheng expressed her appreciation to the provincial Governor, authorities at all levels, and participating delegates for their cooperation and contribution to the successful field visit. She highlighted the visit as a meaningful opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from local practices in healthcare delivery.

H.E. Mrs. Lork Kheng presented a certificate of appreciation from Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia, to H.E. Dr. Mao Thonin, Governor of Kampot province, in recognition of the province’s efforts in preparing for and warmly receiving the delegation, as well as its contribution to strengthening local healthcare services.

The 9th APPF-GH brings together parliamentarians, health leaders, WHO and other partners to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and political commitment toward UHC while addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change and artificial intelligence.

AKP-National Assembly