Phnom Penh and Kampot Province, March 31 – April 3, 2026 — The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in partnership with Mekong Institute (MI) and Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, implemented a national training programme and school-based screening activities under the Mekong Children’s Heart Care (MCHC) Project.
Conducted from March 31 to April 3, 2026, the programme strengthened national capacity for the early detection, diagnosis, referral, and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children, while delivering immediate screening and clinical assessment services in local communities.
The initiative forms part of the MCHC Project (2025–2027), which aims to strengthen national health systems and regional cooperation to improve equitable access to paediatric cardiac care.
The programme was implemented in two phases, combining classroom-based learning with hands-on field application. The in-class training, held in Phnom Penh from March 31 to April 1, brought together 35 participants and 7 resource persons, including specialists from Fuwai Hospital and Cambodian national hospitals. The sessions focused on screening protocols, diagnostic techniques, referral pathways, and case management—equipping healthcare professionals with practical skills for early detection and treatment.
Building on this foundation, hands-on training and school-based screening were conducted in Kampot Province from April 2-3. Multidisciplinary teams comprising 37 Cambodian doctors and 8 specialists from Fuwai Hospital worked side by side to apply these skills in real-world settings. Screening was conducted through two parallel echocardiography teams to maximise coverage and efficiency: one team carried out on-site assessments in school facilities using portable equipment, while a second team operated from a mobile cardiac screening unit. This coordinated approach enabled simultaneous screening and diagnosis, accelerating case detection and facilitating timely clinical decision-making.
The field activities covered 17 schools and screened a total of 3,227 children, including 1,598 girls (49.5%) and 1,629 boys (50.5%). Among those screened, 347 children received echocardiography examinations, leading to the identification of 24 cases of congenital heart disease, including 12 girls. Of these, 9 cases were prioritized for immediate follow-up and further assessment, while the remaining cases will continue to be monitored and managed in accordance with clinical guidelines.
Under the Cambodia component of the Project, targets include screening approximately 40,000 children, providing treatment for at least 40 children, and training more than 100 healthcare professionals. In addition, three Cambodian doctors will undergo specialised training at Fuwai Hospital for six months, contributing to long-term national capacity development.
The Project also strengthens service delivery through the provision of essential medical equipment, including an ultrasound machine, as well as stethoscopes and cardiac occluder devices for frontline healthcare providers—ensuring that improved capacity is matched with the tools needed for effective care.
Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the Global Development and South–South Cooperation Fund, the programme reflects strengthened regional cooperation to address critical health challenges and expand access to quality care for children.
Through its role in coordinating implementation and facilitating regional collaboration, MI continues to support the delivery of integrated, results-oriented interventions that improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems across the Mekong region.
