Cambodia, Gavi to Boost HPV Vaccination in Cervical Cancer Fight

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.08?2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Health and global vaccine alliance Gavi have reaffirmed their partnership to expand HPV vaccination efforts as part of a broader push to improve immunization coverage nationwide.

The commitment was made during a high-level meeting Oct. 7 in Phnom Penh, where Health Minister Chheang Ra welcomed Sam Muller, Gavi’s regional director for Europe, Asia and Southern Africa, and head of the Geneva-based delegation.

The meeting reviewed the outcomes of a joint appraisal of Cambodia’s vaccine program and included updates on Gavi’s funding and strategic priorities for 2026–2030. Muller praised Cambodia’s public health progress and commended the ministry’s leadership in delivering life-saving vaccines to children and women across the country.

Chheang Ra thanked Gavi for its longstanding support, including financial assistance and technical expertise that have helped increase vaccine coverage and introduce new vaccines nationwide.

He emphasized the importance of aligning Cambodia’s immunization strategy with Gavi’s upcoming Strategy 6.0, a roadmap that will guide vaccine delivery and health system strengthening in partner countries beginning in 2026.

The HPV vaccine, which protects against human papillomavirus — a major cause of cervical cancer — remains a central focus of the next phase of Cambodia’s national immunization program. Health officials say expanding access to the vaccine, especially among women and girls, is key to reducing cancer rates and improving long-term health outcomes.

The Health Ministry pledged to work closely with Gavi and other partners to ensure vaccines reach all target populations, supporting Cambodia’s broader goal of achieving universal health coverage under the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy.