Prime Minister Hun Manet meets with Nick Lagunowich, global president of emerging markets for Pfizer, in New York City on September 23. STPM
A senior official from Pfizer, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, told Prime Minister Hun Manet that the company intends to continue its operations in Cambodia.
Manet met with Nick Lagunowich, global president of emerging markets at Pfizer, and his colleagues in the US’ New York City on September 25.
In a September 25 social media post, Manet cited Lagunowich as saying that Pfizer, with the support of the Cambodian government, intends to pursue more opportunities in the Kingdom.
He said the company has examined the government’s Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I and determined that it will continue to contribute to the improvement of public health in Cambodia.
Manet welcomed the company’s global initiative, “Accord for a Healthier World”, launched in May 2022 and aimed at supplying medicine and vaccines to low-income countries around the globe, on a not-for-profit basis.
“The company’s purpose aligns with the key measures laid out by the government on August 24. Pfizer’s main focus is on strengthening low-income nation’s capacity to provide primary health services at the grass roots level,” he explained.
He added that as part of the initiative, the company focused mainly on the supply of drugs and medical equipment to local health centres and referral hospitals across the country.
“We have paid close attention to building a solid partnership between the public and private health sectors so that the people can access high-quality, safe and effective healthcare,” he said.
Manet also encouraged the company to examine investment and business opportunities in Cambodia and foster relations with relevant sides, especially the Ministry of Health.
The post announced that on behalf of Pfizer, Lugunowich would continue to communicate with pertinent groups and institutions in Cambodia.
Separately on September 21 in New York, Senior Minister Ouch Borith addressed the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), expanding on the Kingdom’s ambition for health and well-being in a post-pandemic world.
He reiterated Cambodia’s consistent commitment to the UHC, as one of the principle pillars of sustainable development.
“Cambodia had created mechanisms to expand infrastructure, strengthen the capacity of medical staff, protect finance for all and improve primacy healthcare, ensuring that 80 per cent of all people receive healthcare serves within 5km,” he said, noting that Cambodia has 122 hospitals and 1,136 health centres to date.
He added that the Kingdom is ready to cooperate with UN member countries and UN agencies and relevant sides to achieve the goal of global health in a post-pandemic world.
“Health is not only a goal but also a foundation that allows us to build a more equitable and prosperous world,” he remarked.
