COVAX supports Cambodia with COVID-19 vaccines donated by the United States

PHNOM PENH 6 December 2023 - Today, the Royal Government of Cambodia received another contribution to its continued COVID-19 booster vaccination efforts, as 302,400 doses of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines were handed over to the Ministry of Health from USAID. The generous donation was made by the United States Government through the COVAX Facility’s global dose-sharing mechanism led by UNICEF.

In a ceremony held at the Central Medical Store, USAID Mission Director, Ms. Kerry Pelzman, officially handed over the vaccines to Secretary of State, H.E. Dr.Youk Sambath, in the presence of UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Dr. Anirban Chatterjee. This donation marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between the United States and Cambodia in combating COVID-19 and recovering from the impacts of the pandemic on Cambodia’s health system.

“The United States has been a key partner in supporting Cambodia’s national response to, and recovery from, the COVID pandemic,” said USAID Mission Director, Ms. Kerry Pelzman.  “Our continued support to Cambodia’s COVID response and pandemic recovery reaffirms our longstanding commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Cambodia.” 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the United States has been a steadfast supporter of Cambodia’s vaccination efforts. The donation announced today brings total U.S. donations to Cambodia through the COVAX Facility to more than 3.3 million doses. Vaccine procurement and delivery through the COVAX Facility, has been instrumental in procuring and delivering COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

"UNICEF is proud to be part of this partnership, in which donated vaccines have benefited children and their families”, stated UNICEF Deputy Representative, Dr. Anirban Chatterjee. “We remain committed, alongside partners like the United

States, in supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia on strengthening equitable primary health care towards Universal Health Coverage for a healthier and safer future for all people in Cambodia”.

Cambodia has made remarkable progress in its vaccination campaign under its government’s leadership and remains one of the countries with the highest vaccination rates against COVID-19. More than 95 percent of the country’s population above three years old have been fully vaccinated.

U.S. COVID-19 assistance to Cambodia since 2020 has also helped to strengthen Cambodia’s health system to meet future needs, such as through USAID’s partnership with UNICEF to expand oxygen supply for healthcare facilities that are now ensuring the availability of lifesaving oxygen for critical patients.  Beyond COVID-19, USAID continues to work closely with Cambodia to strengthen healthcare systems and services to improve maternal, child and reproductive health, counter infectious diseases, and improve the quality of healthcare.  This includes support to strengthen health security capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future infectious disease threats.

UNICEF continues to support the Royal Government of Cambodia to strengthen quality and access of maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition services, especially among the most vulnerable populations.

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For further information, please contact:

Hadrien Bonnaud
Chief of Communication, UNICEF Cambodia
Tel: +85523260204 Email: hbonnaud@unicef.org  

USAID/Cambodia
icambodia@usaid.gov