| By Kong Phano and Lim Sophorn, ADRA Cambodia
Pursat, Cambodia – August 13, 2025
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Cambodia, in collaboration with the Pursat Provincial Department of Health, officially launched the Preventive Actions for Transformative Health (PATH) Project with a workshop on August 13, 2025, at the Pursat Riverside Hotel.
The event was presided over by H.E. Madam Pok Nady, Deputy Provincial Governor; Dr. Chhun Lun, Chief of Office for NCDs of the Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Health; Dr. Tek Sopheap, Director of Provincial Health Department; and Mr. Felipe Gonzalez, Country Director of ADRA Cambodia.
Funded by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), the three-year PATH Project (July 2025 – June 2028) aims to increase knowledge and improve lifestyle practices to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), thereby reducing the risks and impacts of these conditions.
The project responds to the rising burden of NCDs in rural Cambodia, particularly in Bakan District, Pursat Province, where assessments reveal limited awareness of prevention, poor dietary practices, and social barriers—especially among women, older adults, and persons with disabilities—in accessing health and nutrition education.
Key outcomes of the PATH Project include:
- Building local capacity: Training health practitioners and Village Health Support Groups (VHSGs) through the Bridge to Better Health (B2B) model to deliver behavior-change sessions that promote healthier living.
- Empowering communities: Engaging at-risk individuals in B2B health cycles and providing practical training in climate-smart home gardening, traditional food preparation, and peer-led NCD care groups.
- Ensuring inclusivity: Applying a strong Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approach across all activities to ensure equal participation and long-term impact.
The launch brought together 50 participants, including representatives from the Australian Embassy, Ministry of Health, Provincial Governor’s Office, Provincial Department of Health, Department of Education, Youth and Sport, Department of Women’s Affairs, Referral Hospital, Operational Health District Office, local NGOs, students, people living with NCDs, and local leaders such as commune and village chiefs and members of the Commune Council for Women and Children (CCWC).
The workshop featured opening remarks, a presentation on the project’s strategy and goals, a Q&A session, and opportunities for networking among partners. Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its successful implementation across the target communities.
Quotes from the Launch
Mr. Felipe Gonzalez, Country Director, ADRA Cambodia:
“Non-communicable diseases are a growing challenge in rural Cambodia, often unnoticed until they cause serious harm. PATH is about changing that—equipping health workers, empowering communities, and ensuring no one is left behind. This work is only possible through partnership. Today marks the start of a three-year journey to create healthier lives in Pursat.”
Dr. Chhun Lun, Chief of Office for NCDs, Ministry of Health:
“Reducing the burden of NCDs requires strong partnerships. I urge all partners and CSOs to strengthen prevention efforts—reduce smoking and alcohol use, promote healthier diets with less salt, sugar, and oil, and encourage more physical activity. Together, we can improve the health of our nation.”
H.E. Madam Pok Nady, Deputy Provincial Governor:
“Public health is central to the wellbeing of our communities. We must work together with all stakeholders to promote healthy diets, improve hygiene, and protect our environment. The high prevalence of NCDs, as shown in the 2023 STEP survey, reminds us that prevention must be a priority.”
Dr. Tek Sopheap, Director, Pursat Provincial Health Department:
“Diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are among the most common NCDs in our province. Prevention is key. Our simple message is: ‘Less salt, less sugar, less oil.’ Small changes in daily habits can make a big difference in protecting our communities.”
Media Coverage
📺 Local TV coverage in Pursat TVK: Watch Here
📺 National TV coverage Meas Rithy Hang Meas – at 7:04 mins: Watch Here
📰 National news: View Here
