| By Kong Phano, ADRA Cambodia
Phnom Penh, 16 June 2026 — With support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), ADRA Cambodia, in collaboration with the Preventive Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, organized the National Forum on the Preventive Actions for Transformative Health (PATH) Project under the theme “Healthy Communities, Sustainable Futures.”
Hosted by the Ministry of Health at Cambodiana Hotel, the forum brought together approximately 100 participants from government institutions, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, health professionals, and community representatives to share learning and strengthen collaboration on preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Cambodia.
Implemented in Pursat Province from July 2025 to June 2028, the PATH Project introduces the Bridge to Better (B2B) Health methodology, a community-based approach that encourages healthier lifestyles through peer support, community participation, and locally driven action. The project also promotes climate-smart nutrition home gardening and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to improve nutrition, health awareness, and community resilience.
The forum was presided over by H.E. Dr. Hok Kim Cheng, Director General of Health Technical Affairs, Ministry of Health, with contributions from representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, ADRA Australia, and ADRA Cambodia.
In his remarks, Dr. Muy Seanghorn, Vice Director of the Preventive Medicine Department, highlighted the project’s progress during its first six months of implementation.
“The PATH Project has demonstrated encouraging results through community health screenings, facilitator training, educational sessions, food demonstrations, and support to Bridge to Better Health groups. Most importantly, the peer-to-peer educator approach empowers communities to take ownership of their health and creates a sustainable model that can continue beyond the project period.”
Mr. Felipe Gonzalez, Country Director of ADRA Cambodia, emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing the growing burden of NCDs.
“Today is not only about presenting a project. It is an opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen partnerships, and explore practical solutions to one of Cambodia’s growing public health challenges. Lasting change requires government, development partners, academia, civil society, and communities working together.”
Through a recorded video message, Mr. Denison Grellman, Chief Executive Officer of ADRA Australia, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for hosting the event and supporting preventive health initiatives.
“The PATH Project demonstrates innovative approaches that empower families and communities to take greater responsibility for their health. Sustainable health improvements are only possible when government, development partners, academia, and communities work together toward a shared goal.”
In his opening address, H.E. Dr. Hok Kim Cheng recognized the project’s achievements and reaffirmed the importance of preventive healthcare.
“Non-communicable diseases remain a major challenge for both current and future generations. Continued efforts in prevention, healthy lifestyles, nutritious diets, and community education are essential to improving the health and well-being of Cambodian communities.”
The forum featured technical presentations, panel discussions, stakeholder consultations, and an exhibition showcasing the Bridge to Better Health methodology, RCCE approaches, climate-smart nutrition home gardening, and other ADRA Cambodia programs related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Recommendations gathered during the forum will help inform future NCD prevention programming and strengthen collaboration across the health, nutrition, agriculture, education, and community development sectors.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the National Forum contributed to advancing community-based approaches to disease prevention and promoting healthier, more resilient communities across Cambodia.
About ADRA Cambodia
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Cambodia is part of a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivering relief and development assistance to people in more than 118 countries—regardless of ethnicity, political affiliation, gender, or religious association. By partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments, ADRA helps build local capacity and create sustainable change.
For media inquiries, please contact:
📩 Mr. Kong Phano, Public Relations Coordinator, ADRA Cambodia
📧 [email protected]
📞 +855 77 398 477
