Background
On 25 March 2026 in Phnom Penh, the Ministry of Health convened its annual review workshop on Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR). The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Im Sethikary, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health.
The workshop brought together health sector leadership and service providers from across the country to review action plans and address challenges encountered in 2025. According to the ministry, MPDSR committees at all levels had implemented a new protocol nationwide.
Scope of Application
The workshop concerned the national MPDSR system and involved health facilities and administrative health structures nationwide, including hospitals, operational district health offices, and health centers. Participants attended both in person and virtually.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The workshop identified three priority areas for 2026:
First, strengthening the referral system to address third-delay factors, including establishing rapid pre-referral communication between health centers and hospitals and ensuring ambulances carry sufficient equipment and medicines to stabilize patients.
Second, improving clinical management of postpartum hemorrhage through implementation of standard operating procedures and appropriate use of ultrasound.
Third, expanding community education to address first-delay factors by working with local authorities to encourage pregnant women to receive at least four antenatal care visits.
The ministry also reported that recorded maternal deaths declined from 79 cases in 2024 to 46 cases in 2025, while emphasizing the need to continue case review and response efforts to improve services.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This item records an administrative health governance review and the setting of operational priorities within the public health system. It is relevant for organizations working with Cambodia’s health sector, development partners, and health service operators that coordinate with referral systems, maternal care protocols, and community health outreach.
Official Source
Ministry of Health, Facebook post published on 25 March 2026.
