Phnom Penh – The Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Fred Hollows Foundation Cambodia have signed a new agreement to expand the implementation of the Sustainable and Equitable Eye Health project, reinforcing their joint commitment to improving public health and promoting gender equality.
The agreement was signed earlier this week at the ministry’s office in Phnom Penh by H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs, and Mr. Bak Tokyo, Country Manager of the Fred Hollows Foundation Cambodia.
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to widen access to quality eye care services nationwide, ensuring that communities, especially women and vulnerable groups, benefit from essential health support.
Mr. Bak Tokyo provided the Minister with an update on the ongoing collaboration under the SEE-IPEC project, which has already been successfully implemented in six provinces—Preah Sihanouk, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Thom, Thbong Khmum, and Kampong Cham.
He highlighted that the project has trained community members in basic eye care practices, delivered eye examinations, eye drops, and corrective glasses, and encouraged residents to seek free, high-quality surgical eye care services in a safe and equitable manner.
In her remarks, H.E. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi expressed appreciation to the Fred Hollows Foundation, congratulating it on the tangible results achieved so far. She emphasized that the program not only advances public health but also strengthens gender equality by ensuring that women have equal access to essential medical care.
“The Ministry remains committed to working closely with the foundation to expand these services and to ensure that more Cambodians can access affordable, safe, and reliable eye health solutions,” the Minister reaffirmed.
The renewed agreement marks another step forward in Cambodia’s efforts to strengthen healthcare equity, particularly for marginalized communities, while also underscoring the importance of partnerships between government institutions and international organizations.
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