Cambodia, U.S. Ink $36 Million Health Security Deal

PHNOM PENH, April 8, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia and the United States have signed a five-year, $36 million partnership to strengthen health security, expand disease surveillance and reinforce outbreak response, officials said Tuesday.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) were signed on April 7 by Senior Minister Chhieng Ra, Health Minister Chheang Ra, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette L. Walker.

Washington pledged more than $30 million, while Phnom Penh will raise domestic health spending by over $5 million, reflecting a joint commitment to long-term sustainability in the health sector.

The agreements establish a Joint Health Cooperation Steering Committee to coordinate and monitor progress. They aim to reinforce laboratory networks, data systems and institutional capacity, with a gradual transfer of responsibility to the Royal Government of Cambodia. Key objectives include eliminating malaria, ending HIV as a public health threat, reducing tuberculosis incidence and mortality, and ensuring rapid detection and response to infectious disease outbreaks.

Walker said the deal marked “a milestone in more than 30 years of U.S.-Cambodia health cooperation,” adding that America’s global health strategy seeks to stop outbreaks before they spread internationally. “We are proud to continue working alongside the Royal Government of Cambodia to strengthen institutions and prepare for emerging threats,” she said.

Chhieng Ra emphasized that human capital development remains a national priority, describing the MOU as a reflection of Cambodia’s leadership in advancing health reforms. “This partnership safeguards the well-being of our people and ensures that achievements in public health are sustained for the benefit of both nations,” he said.

The agreements underscore a shared commitment to building a resilient, self-sustaining health system and advancing public health gains for Cambodian and American citizens alike.