Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 30, 2026 — The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, in partnership with the Mekong Institute (MI) and Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, today launched the national implementation of the Mekong Children’s Heart Care Project (2025–2027) at the Cambodiana Hotel.

The launch event brought together approximately 60 participants from the Ministry of Health, national hospitals, the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, and Fuwai Hospital, demonstrating strong multi-stakeholder commitment to advancing child health in the Mekong region.

Supported by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the project contributes to ongoing efforts under the Global Development Initiative (GDI) to strengthen health systems and improve access to essential services.

The initiative focuses on congenital heart disease (CHD), a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality, through expanded screening, improved referral and treatment pathways, and capacity building for healthcare professionals in Cambodia and Lao PDR.

H.E. Dr. Hok Kimcheng, Director General for Health, Ministry of Health of Cambodia, highlighted the importance of early intervention: “Congenital heart disease remains a significant public health concern, affecting the lives of many children and families. Early detection, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential to improving survival and quality of life.”

He further emphasized the importance of partnership in strengthening national systems:

“This project reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the health system through technology transfer, capacity building, and regional cooperation. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute to national efforts while supporting broader regional responses to congenital heart disease.”

Mr. Li Guodong, First Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, emphasized the project’s contribution to global development efforts: “The Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through this project, we aim to strengthen medical services, enhance capacity, and support tangible improvements in health outcomes.”

Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI, underlined the systems-focused approach of the initiative: “The project supports the development of sustainable systems to ensure early identification and timely treatment of children with congenital heart disease, while strengthening healthcare capacity at both national and regional levels.”

Over the implementation period, the project is expected to screen at least 40,000 children in Cambodia, including a minimum of 10,000 ultrasound screenings, provide treatment for at least 40 children with CHD, and train more than 100 healthcare professionals. The project will also donate one ultrasound machine and other essential medical equipment, and support the advanced training of three Cambodian doctors at Fuwai Hospital in China for a six-month period.

The initiative adopts an integrated approach encompassing school-based screening, diagnostic services, referral mechanisms, treatment, and follow-up care. Implementation will prioritize selected provinces, including Kampot, Kampong Cham, Takeo, and Siem Reap.

The launch marks the start of a coordinated, multi-year effort among national and regional partners to reduce preventable child deaths associated with congenital heart disease and to strengthen progress toward universal health coverage in the Mekong region.