Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Cambodia’s Ministry of Information has donated 106 million Riels (approximately US$26,500) to the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation to sustain free medical care for children. The funds were raised through a charity run titled “For Children, For Our Future,” which drew nearly 1,700 participants from 11 nationalities.
Donation Handover Ceremony
Lok Chumteav Tuy Serey Ratanak Neth Pheaktra, Honorary President of the Ministry’s branch of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development, presented the donated funds at an official handover ceremony on Monday. She represented her husband, H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Cambodia’s Minister of Information.
Expressing gratitude to the medical staff at Kantha Bopha Hospital, Lok Chumteav Tuy Serey Ratanak emphasised that the donation aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the hospital’s core mission: providing free consultations and treatment for children regardless of their background or financial status.
“Supporting the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation is a valuable investment in our nation’s future, as children are the driving force for future national development.”— Lok Chumteav Tuy Serey Ratanak Neth Pheaktra, Honorary President, Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development
Aligned with Cambodia’s First Lady’s Vision for Children’s Health
The fundraising initiative aligns with the vision of Cambodia’s First Lady, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, who serves as Honorary President of the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation and wife of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. She has consistently advocated for national solidarity in safeguarding children’s health as a cornerstone of Cambodia’s development strategy.
This commitment to inclusive welfare mirrors the broader national conversation around women, children, and social protection. Cambodia has been advancing a new chapter for women and girls, with government and civil society working together to reduce vulnerability and expand access to essential services.
About the Charity Run: “For Children, For Our Future”
The funds were collected during the second edition of the humanitarian run, co-organised by the Ministry of Information, ASEAN Top News, and multiple partners. Key facts about the event:
- Participants: Approximately 1,700 runners
- Nationalities represented: 11
- Attendees included: Royal Government officials, business leaders, professional athletes, and members of the general public
- Amount raised: 106 million Riels (~US$26,500)
- Beneficiary: Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation
What Is the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation?
The Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation is a non-profit healthcare organisation that provides free, high-quality medical care for infants, children, and pregnant women in Cambodia. Founded to serve the nation’s most vulnerable populations, the Foundation operates on a non-discriminatory basis, ensuring all children can access treatment regardless of family income or social status.
The Foundation expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and all donors, noting that the contributed funds will help maintain its high standards of healthcare delivery and expand its reach to more families across the country. The World Health Organization’s child health programme in Cambodia recognises that consistent access to primary paediatric care is essential to reducing child mortality and improving long-term health outcomes nationwide.
Why Children’s Healthcare Investment Matters for Cambodia’s Future
Access to free paediatric healthcare reduces infant and child mortality rates, improves school readiness, and builds a healthier, more productive future workforce. Initiatives like this charity run demonstrate how government ministries, civil society, and private sector partners can collaborate to bridge healthcare funding gaps.
This perspective aligns with Cambodia’s broader economic outlook. With the Asian Development Bank projecting Cambodia’s economy to grow 4.5% in 2026, strategic investments in human capital — including children’s health — are increasingly seen as integral to sustaining that momentum.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has underscored the importance of institutional development across all sectors of Cambodian society. His recent remarks at the inauguration of the General Department of Taxation headquarters reflected a consistent message: strong institutions and public-private cooperation are the foundation of Cambodia’s long-term progress — a philosophy equally evident in the government’s support of the Kantha Bopha Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Cambodia’s Ministry of Information donate to the Kantha Bopha Foundation?
Cambodia’s Ministry of Information donated 106 million Riels, equivalent to approximately US$26,500, to the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation. The funds were raised during the second edition of the “For Children, For Our Future” charity run.
What is the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation?
The Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides free medical consultations and treatment for children, infants, and pregnant women in Cambodia. It operates on a non-discriminatory basis and is supported by donations from government bodies, businesses, and the public.
Who presented the donation to the Kantha Bopha Foundation?
The donation was presented by Lok Chumteav Tuy Serey Ratanak Neth Pheaktra, Honorary President of the Ministry’s branch of the Cambodian Women’s Association for Peace and Development, representing her husband, Information Minister H.E. Neth Pheaktra.
How many people participated in the “For Children, For Our Future” charity run?
Approximately 1,700 participants from 11 nationalities took part in the second edition of the humanitarian run, including Royal Government officials, business leaders, athletes, and members of the general public.
