Caring for Cambodia’s smallest: Working together towards a future where every newborn thrives

The foundation of the Czech-Cambodian healthcare partnership was laid by the work of Dr. Giboda in the 1980s, when he significantly contributed to research on malaria in the country.

In 2009, His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, inspired by his experience of the Czech healthcare, suggested close cooperation between Czech and Cambodian hospitals.

The landmark 2018 Development Cooperation Bilateral Programme highlighted health as a priority sector, with infant mortality reduction as the ultimate goal.

From 2019 to 2021, the collaboration saw the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH) take big steps towards achieving these goals, facilitated by Czech-led training and the introduction of sophisticated mannequins for clinical education.

In 2021, following the Czech model, Cambodia began creating a perinatal care centre at the NPH, with the aim of establishing sustainable healthcare and lowering perinatal mortality rates.

This initiative was complemented by delivery of advanced medical delivery beds from Linet, a Czech high medical tech company showcasing the important role of private sector companies in contributing to healthcare improvements.

At the provincial level, Czech development cooperation focused on renovating and equipping maternity wards in Kampong Chhnang provincial hospital, and providing training, and assisted in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with the delivery of ventilators and protective items.

Currently, the focus is shifting to healthcare digitisation, with a main focus on advancing record-keeping and data analytics. This CzechCambodian cooperation exemplifies the profound impact of international cooperation on public health enhancement.