Background
The Ministry of Health is implementing the AMS-HICAP (Antimicrobial Stewardship — Health Institutions Capacity Advancement Project) to introduce standard operating procedures and targeted training for antimicrobial use in hospital settings. The AMS-HICAP project implements standard operating procedures and a training curriculum to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in participating hospitals.
By June 2026, the project had completed situational analyses and baseline assessments at a national hospital and six provincial hospitals. The initiative is financed in part by the International Center for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) and involves collaboration between ministry technical directorates, national public health institutes, provincial hospitals, NGOs and academic partners.
Scope of Application
The AMS-HICAP procedures and training apply to the hospitals and institutions formally engaged in the project’s implementation and assessment activities. Participating institutions named in Ministry communications include: Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kosom Hospital; National Techo Santepheap Hospital; and provincial referral hospitals in Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Chhnang and Preah Vihear (16 January Hospital).
Key Provisions or Decisions
The advisory committee formalised draft role descriptions for AMS implementation teams, advanced standard operating procedures for antimicrobial stewardship, and approved a training curriculum for clinical staff. Committee documents recorded a priority for on-site supportive supervision and direct technical support at each participating hospital to follow up on baseline assessments and to operationalise SOPs.
Implications for Compliance
Hospitals participating in AMS-HICAP are expected to adopt the project’s SOPs and complete the prescribed training modules to align clinical practice with stewardship objectives. Health administrators should plan for scheduled site visits and incorporate AMS performance indicators into facility-level monitoring to demonstrate adherence to the agreed procedures.
Official Source
Ministry of Health press release on the 2nd advisory committee meeting for AMS-HICAP, 26 June 2026. Source: Ministry of Health Facebook post at the provided URL.
