Background
On 23 March 2026, at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh, Secretary of State Professor Im Sethikary of the Ministry of Health led a meeting to prepare the annual workshop on Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR). The meeting focused on reviewing cases related to maternal delivery complications in Kampot, Kampong Thom, and Battambang provinces.
The meeting agenda included presentation of EmONC results, discussion of MPDSR progress and planning for the workshop scheduled for 25-26 March 2026, and consideration of additional support from UNFPA Asia and Pacific.
Scope of Application
The discussion concerned the Ministry of Health’s maternal and newborn health oversight and response system, particularly MPDSR implementation and emergency obstetric and newborn care services. The review referred to national hospitals, operational districts, health centers, and provincial counterparts involved in maternal and perinatal case surveillance and response.
The UNFPA EmONC Light Assessment discussed at the meeting covered 76 health facilities in eight provinces: Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, and Mondulkiri.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The meeting reviewed the findings of UNFPA’s Phase 1 2025 EmONC Light Assessment, which examined the availability and functionality of emergency obstetric and newborn care services following implementation of the 2020 improvement plan.
The Secretary of State instructed that continuing training on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) and Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) be organized at health facilities to support reductions in maternal and newborn mortality.
She also directed MPDSR committees at national hospitals to work closely with partner provinces in order to strengthen the MPDSR system at operational district and health center levels.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This item documents ongoing administrative coordination within the Ministry of Health on maternal and newborn mortality surveillance, emergency care capacity, and inter-facility coordination. It indicates continued institutional attention to MPDSR system strengthening and workforce-related training across health facilities.
For organizations working with Cambodia’s public health system, including development partners and health service institutions, the meeting provides a reference point on current ministry priorities in maternal and newborn care governance and technical support planning.
Official Source
Ministry of Health Facebook post, published 24 March 2026.
