On 11 April 2024, a delegation from the School visited Cambodia’s Ministry of Health (MOH). The purpose of this visit was to strengthen strategic partnerships between the Cambodia MOH and NUS in areas such as health training, capacity building, research, and public health initiatives.
The delegation led by Dean, Prof Teo Yik Ying, included Vice Dean of Global Health, Prof Hsu Li Yang, UHS-SPH Integrated Research Programme Leader, Assoc Prof Siyan Yi and Asst Prof Kiesha Prem amongst others were warmly welcomed by His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, Cambodia.
During the meeting, key areas of current and future public health topics and initiatives were discussed. Emphasis was placed on bolstering the health workforce capacity in Cambodia through comprehensive research and medical training programs. Collaborative efforts centered around addressing pressing health issues such as antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the growing field of digital health development were also deliberated upon.
The Cambodian MOH shed light on their current priorities encompassing health education, infectious disease prevention, NCD management, climate change, and the development of healthcare infrastructure. Specific strategies were discussed, including the development of national guidelines for cancer, refining protocols for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, and deploying digital health services to drive healthcare innovation.
Following the fruitful dialogue, several outcomes and future directions emerged, marking a significant milestone in the trajectory of collaboration and exchange. It was agreed that expertise and resources from Singapore will be shared moving forward. These include antimicrobial stewardship, medical training, NCD guidelines, and digital health services. There was also keen interest in potential collaborations in future training programs, research initiatives, and the implementation of national health strategies. Plans were also brought up for the establishment of a new department of digital health and the appointment of a director for digital health in Cambodia.
This visit was pivotal as it laid the groundwork for a shared commitment towards advancing public health in the region, transcending geographical boundaries to pave the way for a healthier and more resilient future for all.