Background
The Ministry of Health led a supervised rollout of an HPV self-sampling cervical screening program in Kampong Cham as part of efforts to strengthen primary-level service delivery and referral capacity for cervical cancer control. The oversight visit from 10–12 August 2026 focused on program start-up activities, quality assurance of sample handling, and linkage of screened women to treatment pathways.
The Ministry of Health piloted an HPV self-sampling cervical screening program targeting women aged 30–49 in Kampong Cham province. The program integrates self-collected HPV samples into electronic medical record (EMR) systems and establishes quality-assured sample transport pathways.
Key Developments
From 10 to 12 August 2026, a Ministry technical team conducted supervisory visits to assess readiness and early implementation. The supervision reviewed service delivery, counseling practices, procedures for self-collection of HPV samples, sample management, EMR data entry, and arrangements for safe and standard sample transport. The pilot was implemented across 15 villages under the catchment areas of local health centers including Sambour Meas, Boeng Kok, Ampil, Trean, and Koh Roka in Kampong Cham province.
Institutional Role
National technical leads coordinated the oversight alongside district health officers, health center staff, community health volunteers, and development partners. Representatives from hospital clinical teams, the National Institute of Public Health, the World Bank, and the H-EQIP 2 project participated in the mission to provide technical support and coordination for referral and laboratory linkages.
Operational Implications
Health officials inspected the EMR recording process and sample transport systems to ensure traceability and technical standards at the primary-care level. The oversight team recommended continued community outreach to increase uptake among the target age group and advised strengthened follow-up and referral of women identified as high risk so that treatment can be accessed in a timely manner.
