PHNOM PENH, March 30 (Xinhua) -- A China-backed Mekong children's heart care project was officially launched in Cambodia on Monday, aiming at delivering life-saving treatment to children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Funded by China through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the landmark project is implemented by the Mekong Institute, in close partnership with the Ministries of Health of Cambodia and Laos, with technical support from the Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
The project is a concrete action under the Global Development Initiative, said a press release, adding that it targets CHD, one of the leading causes of child mortality, by building national screening systems, enhancing access to treatment, and strengthening healthcare workforce capacity in Cambodia and Laos.
"The project will screen at least 40,000 children in Cambodia, including 10,000 ultrasound screenings, provide full-cycle treatment for at least 40 children with CHD, and train more than 100 healthcare professionals," the press release said.
It added that the project will also provide essential medical equipment and support advanced training for Cambodian doctors.
Hok Kimcheng, director general for Health at Cambodia's Ministry of Health, said CHD remains a public health concern, affecting the lives of many children and families. Early detection, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential to improving survival and the quality of life.
"This project reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the health system through technology transfer, capacity building, and regional cooperation," he said.
The official expressed his profound gratitude to the government and people of China for their generous contribution to improving access to healthcare for children with CHD.
Kimcheng said the project has adopted a comprehensive approach, combining school-based screening, advanced diagnostics, referral systems, treatment, and follow-up care.
"The Ministry of Health fully supports this initiative, and we will work closely with all partners to ensure the project's effective implementation," he said. "We are confident that this collaboration will not only benefit Cambodian children, but also contribute to the broader regional effort in addressing CHD.
The project will focus on key provinces, including Kampot, Kampong Cham, Takeo, and Siem Reap, with outreach extending to underserved communities.
Sok Chour, an advisor to Cambodia's Ministry of Health and deputy director general for health, said that it is estimated that Cambodia has approximately 3,000 to 4,000 children born with heart disease every year.
"This project reflects strong cooperation and shared commitment to improving child health in Cambodia," he told Xinhua. "It will significantly strengthen Cambodia's capacity in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital heart disease, while also enhancing the skills of our health workers."
Chour said the project will help reduce the preventable child morbidity and mortality, and contribute to better long-term health outcome of Cambodian children.
Suriyan Vichitlekarn, executive director of Mekong Institute, said the project reflected China's firm commitment to advancing the Global Development Initiative and accelerating progress toward the UN 2030 Agenda, as well as shared determination to improve access to care for children with CHD.
"This project is not only about delivering life-saving care. It is about building systems that ensure children are identified early, treated in time, and given the opportunity to live healthy lives," he said. "Through regional partnership, we are strengthening healthcare capacity and creating lasting impact for communities across Cambodia and the Mekong region."
Suriyan said the project will not only address public health issues, but also foster close cooperation among Mekong countries and China.
He said in both Cambodia and Laos, the project will reach around 50,000 children, support treatment for at least 70 children, and train over 235 medical professionals. ■