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  • Source: Campus Sanofi

City Cancer Challenge - Strengthening the Fight against Cancer in Phnom Penh

Explore how our collaborative approach in Phnom Penh is pioneering sustainable cancer care solutions, strengthening healthcare in resource-limited settings.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is home to 2.5 million people, representing 15% of the country's population. It hosts the only two public hospitals in Cambodia that treat cancer. Recognizing the growing cancer burden, with over 19,000 new cases and more than 13,000 deaths annually, Cambodia is committed to improving cancer care.

City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), as Swiss based Foundation, supports cities around the world in their efforts to improve access to equitable, quality cancer care. In partnership with the Global Health Unit, C/Can is working hand-in-hand with local leaders in Phnom Penh to co-create sustainable solutions for improving cancer care, tailored to the city’s unique needs. This began with a situational analysis of the city's cancer care ecosystem and has now progressed to identifying targeted capacity and capability improvement projects.

In December 2024, Phnom Penh reached a significant milestone in its cancer care journey. The City Executive Committee – comprising representatives from leading organisations in health and cancer care across the city, region and country – confirmed priority areas for action, paving the way for the development of practical, transformative solutions. 

During this period, a delegation from C/Can and the Global Health Unit visited Phnom Penh, coinciding with the City Executive Committee meeting. This collaborative engagement enabled direct dialogue with local healthcare leaders, ensuring that the planned initiatives align with real-world challenges and opportunities. This understanding is crucial for ensuring that the Global Health Unit’s support is effective and relevant.

The City Executive Committee Meeting identified 12 priority projects and 26 outputs, including, amongst others:

  • supporting capacity development for healthcare professionals,
  • mapping referrals for pediatric and adult cancers,
  • generating evidence on out-of-pocket expenditures, and
  • standardizing data reporting.

These projects will now move forward with detailed planning, supported by C/Can’s expert technical groups. The City Executive Committee will ratify these plans early in 2025, after which local stakeholders will begin implementing these high-impact, system-transforming initiatives.

C/Can’s city-led model is transforming cancer care, not just in Phnom Penh, but across resource-limited settings globally. By leveraging local expertise and fostering collaboration, C/Can is empowering communities to create solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and resilient.

The Global Health Unit's support of C/Can’s work exemplifies our commitment to combating non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries, ensuring sustainable, high-impact improvements in healthcare systems.

 

MAT-GLB-2304595 (v5.0) August 2025