The United States has announced more than $17 million for new projects aimed at improving the health of Cambodian people. U.S. Administrator Samantha Power shared these plans while in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
One of the key initiatives is a five-year program to fight tuberculosis (TB), a disease that affects thousands of Cambodians every year. The program, called "Community Mobilization Initiatives to End Tuberculosis 2 (COMMIT 2)," will be led by KHANA, a Cambodian organization. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $4 million to this project for the first year. The goal is to find and treat TB cases faster by working closely with local communities, improving screening, and increasing access to treatment.
In addition, Administrator Power announced over $1 million to help stop childhood lead poisoning in Cambodia. This will include a national survey to find out how much lead and other heavy metals are affecting children and pregnant women. The information gathered will help Cambodia improve health policies, ensuring that children can grow up healthier and safer.
Lastly, the U.S. is also providing $12 million for landmine removal and education about the dangers of unexploded bombs. This work is vital in making Cambodia safer, as landmines have caused many deaths and injuries in the past.
These projects reflect the U.S.’s commitment to helping Cambodia improve its health system, with a goal to end TB as a major health issue by 2030 and protect children from harmful substances like lead. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Health cannot be a question of income; it is a fundamental human right.” The U.S. hopes to support Cambodia in achieving that vision.
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