Background
The Ministry of Health held a national consultation in Phnom Penh on 22 September 2026 to finalize updates to the National Public Health Emergency Risk Management Strategy for 2026–2030. The workshop was presided over by the Ministry of Health’s State Secretary, អុឹម សិទ្ធិការ្យ, and brought together national and subnational health agencies and international partners.
The Ministry of Health leads national planning for public health emergency risk management and coordinates with subnational health departments and multisectoral agencies. The 2026–2030 strategy update incorporates findings from Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) assessments conducted in Preah Vihear, Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces in 2026.
Scope of Application
The strategy covers national-level preparedness and subnational implementation for public health emergencies across Cambodia. It is intended to guide planning and operational arrangements for the Ministry of Health, provincial health departments, health centers and community health services during the 2026–2030 period.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The consultation produced five policy and operational priorities recommended for inclusion in the updated strategy:
- Strengthen institutional capacity and community support for hazard and vulnerability risk assessment to inform preparedness, response and recovery planning involving competent authorities and stakeholders.
- Enhance capacity-building and training for health center staff to deliver care for women affected by all forms of violence during emergencies.
- Build and rehabilitate primary health infrastructure to increase resilience against the impacts of emergencies and disasters.
- Reinforce leadership and governance at national and subnational levels for multisectoral preparedness and coordinated responses to public health threats and emergencies.
- Ensure adequate staffing and deployment at primary health facilities and in community services to maintain service continuity during crises.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The updated national strategy sets planning priorities that will inform resource allocation, capacity-building and program design by health administrations and development partners. Public and private stakeholders involved in health service delivery and emergency preparedness should align operational plans with the strategy’s emphasis on infrastructure resilience, workforce training and multisectoral coordination.
Official Source
The consultation was organized by the Department of Health Protection in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Participants included the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), relevant national institutes under the Ministry of Health, five provincial health departments and the World Health Organization, with a total of 51 attendees.
