USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced $17 million in new health initiatives for Cambodia, including tuberculosis control, lead poisoning prevention, and expanded demining operations.
“These investments underscore our commitment to helping Cambodia improve health outcomes and strengthen their capacity to confront future public health threats,” Power stated during the announcement.
Quick Facts
- $4 million allocated for first year of new five-year tuberculosis control program
- Over $1 million dedicated to first-ever national heavy metals exposure survey
- $12 million committed to demining activities and risk education
- US partners have cleared 1.5 million landmines from 230,000 acres to date
Fighting Tuberculosis Through Local Partnership
The centerpiece of the announcement is USAID’s Community Mobilization Initiatives to End Tuberculosis 2 (COMMIT 2) program, representing one of the agency’s largest direct local awards to a Cambodian organization.
Implemented by KHANA (Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance), the program aims to accelerate TB case finding through enhanced community screening, improved digital reporting systems, and expanded access to preventive therapy.
Pioneering Lead Poisoning Prevention
In partnership with UNICEF and the Royal Government of Cambodia, USAID is launching a groundbreaking national survey to assess heavy metal exposure levels in vulnerable populations.
This initiative follows Cambodia’s recent joining of the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future, alongside more than 20 other nations committed to combating global lead exposure.
Expanding Demining Operations
The $12 million allocation for demining activities builds upon an already successful track record of land clearance operations. These funds will support continued landmine clearance and community risk education programs, crucial for creating safer living conditions in affected areas.
Impact and Implications
These initiatives represent a significant step forward in US-Cambodia health cooperation and align with the broader U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. The multi-faceted approach addresses immediate health concerns while building long-term capacity for public health management. Success in these programs could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Southeast Asia.
The Road ahead
Cambodia’s new initiatives provide crucial support to end TB by 2030, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The programs demonstrate a comprehensive approach to public health, combining immediate intervention with long-term strategic planning for a healthier Cambodia.
