World Bank Injects $13 Million to Advance Competency‑Based Health Professional Training in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, June 18, 2026 (KPT) — The World Bank has approved $13 million in additional financing to strengthen the training of health professionals in Cambodia, officials said Monday.

The funds will support the Strengthening Pre‑Service Education System for Health Professionals Project, raising total investment to $34.5 million. The financing aims to accelerate Cambodia’s transition to competency‑based education, narrowing the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice and building a more skilled health workforce.

Despite improvements in service delivery, Cambodia continues to face challenges in healthcare quality and access. The project seeks to address these issues by shifting training from theory‑based instruction to a model focused on practical skills and clinical competence.

Since its launch in 2020, the programme has introduced 11 national competency‑based curricula, trained 85 percent of health faculty, upgraded skills laboratories and computer‑based exam facilities, and standardized 50 clinical practice sites nationwide.

The new financing will expand infrastructure at key institutions, including construction and renovation at the Battambang Regional Training Center and the University of Health Sciences. It will also fund modern simulation equipment, digital learning systems and improvements to national curricula, standards and competency‑based exit examinations. The project has been extended through mid‑2029.

“Cambodia has made important progress in strengthening the training of its health professionals, and this additional financing will help continue that effort,” said Tania Meyer, World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia.

The package includes an $11.5 million International Development Association credit and a $1.5 million grant from Germany’s KfW development bank, alongside Cambodian government contributions. The Ministry of Health is the implementing agency.