Australia has announced an additional A$3 million (approximately US$2 million) contribution to Cambodia’s Improving Social Protection and Health (ISPH) program. Dr. Anne Aly, Australia’s Minister for International Development, confirmed the funding during a visit to the National Pediatric Hospital in Phnom Penh, emphasizing the need for robust systems to protect vulnerable populations against global economic shocks, pandemics, and climate-related disasters.
The initiative aims to provide technical expertise and policy guidance to enhance the resilience of Cambodia's social safety nets. According to Pen Sopakphea, secretary of state at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, this support is critical for safeguarding the livelihoods of households facing various risks. The ISPH project, currently in its second phase, is co-financed by Germany and Australia to improve service delivery, beneficiary identification, and universal health coverage.
While the funding is not allocated directly to the National Pediatric Hospital, director Nhep Angkeabos welcomed the investment, noting that it addresses broader national needs. The hospital currently faces significant pressure, managing 800 patients despite a 400-bed capacity, driven by a 30% rise in cases such as dengue fever. Angkeabos highlighted that the facility requires ongoing development in infrastructure, medical equipment, and specialized human resources.
This latest commitment is part of a broader development partnership between the two nations, which spans nearly 75 years. Australia expects to provide approximately A$94.4 million in total development assistance to Cambodia throughout the year, covering sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure. As of June 2026, Cambodia’s national social assistance programs support roughly 4.86 million people, while social security schemes cover an additional 3.7 million.
Source: CamboJA News
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