(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called for intensified national efforts to reduce tuberculosis (TB) deaths, warning that Cambodia still faces relatively high infection and mortality rates compared to other countries.

In a message marking World Tuberculosis Day on 23 March 2026, the prime minister acknowledged the country’s progress while stressing the need for stronger action.

“Compared to some other countries around the world, Cambodia still has relatively high rates of tuberculosis-related illness and death,” he said.

He emphasised that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require accelerated efforts and deeper collaboration among all stakeholders to significantly reduce TB cases and fatalities.

He noted that improving public health is key to strengthening human resources, boosting economic participation, and enhancing overall quality of life—aligned with the Royal Government’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase I under the National Assembly’s 7th mandate.

The Royal Government remains confident that this year’s global theme will reinforce commitment and drive action to expand healthcare access, promote research, and ensure universal availability of TB diagnosis and treatment.

In response, the prime minister urged ministries, institutions, local authorities, and citizens to prioritise:
- Accelerating implementation of TB control strategies at national and international levels
- Expanding active case detection in healthcare settings, communities, and public spaces
- Maintaining TB treatment success rates above 90 percent
- Mobilising additional resources to strengthen TB prevention and control efforts

On behalf of the Royal Government, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and all those involved in combating TB, praising their contributions to past successes and reaffirming continued support for future efforts.
=FRESH NEWS