On 16th October 2024, the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS) and the Cambodian Ministry of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaborative efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the country. Cambodia has also become a Mission Partner of ICARS.
New partnership to enhance AMR mitigation in Cambodia
The signing ceremony, attended by officials from both ICARS and the Cambodian government, established a framework for joint initiatives focused on addressing the AMR challenge in Cambodia. This collaboration seeks to promote responsible and effective use of antimicrobials in Cambodia’s healthcare system.
“This partnership is important for our ongoing efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, which presents significant challenges to public health in Cambodia…through this collaboration with ICARS, we aim to enhance the management of antimicrobials and improve health outcomes for our population.” – H.E Dr Hok Kimcheng, Director General for Health, Ministry of Health
Cambodia has been grappling with rising AMR rates, particularly concerning multidrug-resistant infections. This MoU aligns with the country’s existing strategies, including the Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (MSAP), which emphasises strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving patient care.
Strengthening antimicrobial stewardship in human health
A key component of the collaboration is a human health project aimed at strengthening AMS practices. ICARS will provide financial and technical support to develop customised AMS protocols that address prevalent diseases such as pneumonia.
“We look forward to working alongside the Cambodian Ministry of Health to enhance their response to AMR…our focus will be on equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to address antimicrobial resistance effectively.” – Sujith J Chandy, Executive Director of ICARS
The current project is a 3-year intervention and implementation research initiative to promote responsible antimicrobial use and improve overall patient care. The project is split across two key components:
- a component to develop and implement a tailor-made hospital-based AMS program, the AMS intervention package, in six selected hospitals
- a research component to monitor, cost, and evaluate the program to generate evidence and promote its use for scaling up.
Looking ahead
The MoU positions Cambodia to take a proactive role in mitigating AMR, with the collaboration with ICARS expected to facilitate the implementation of effective AMS programs. This partnership aligns with global initiatives, including the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR, and reflects a shared commitment to addressing antimicrobial resistance. Through these collaborative efforts, Cambodia aims to enhance its healthcare system’s resilience and capacity to respond to public health challenges. ICARS looks forward to the collaboration ahead.
