USAID Grants USD 55 Million to Cambodia, Prioritising Food Security, Health & Environment

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• 28 October 2024
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The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has allocated over USD 55 million to strengthen Cambodia’s food security, environmental conservation, civil society, health, investment landscape, and demining efforts. This major funding package was detailed in a press release from USAID on 22 and 23 October 2024.

Ms. Samantha Power, Director of USAID Global Assistance, outlined that this investment is dedicated to supporting the Cambodian people in areas such as agricultural resilience, environmental protection, and expanding civil society and media influence. The initiative aims to bolster the quality of life and secure sustainable development across Cambodia.

Highlights of this funding include:

1. Food Security and Agriculture Development: A significant portion, exceeding USD 29 million, will be channeled through the “Food for Progress” program under the US Department of Agriculture. This initiative will advance Cambodia’s health and agriculture sectors, emphasizing food safety, climate resilience, advanced technology integration, and improved market relations.
2. Support for Civil Society, Media, and Biodiversity: More than USD 6 million is directed towards fortifying Cambodia’s civil society, media, and labor rights, with a particular focus on protecting the biodiversity of the Lower Mekong River, a vital ecological zone.
3. Labor and Disability Aid: The US Department of Labor has allocated USD 3 million to assist Cambodians repatriated from the United States and to support disability inclusion initiatives across the country.

In health, Ms. Power introduced the new five-year COMMIT2 program, developed in collaboration with KHANA, to strengthen tuberculosis prevention and healthcare initiatives in Cambodia. The key components include:

1. Health Screening and Diagnosis: USAID will dedicate USD 4 million in the program’s first year to health screenings, diagnosis, and preventive health measures in local communities.
2. Heavy Metal Assessment: Over USD 1 million will be invested in assessing heavy metal exposure—including lead and arsenic levels—in children, pregnant women, the environment, and various products, with preventive strategies also being devised.
3. Mine Clearance Operations: In a crucial step towards improving public safety, USAID has allocated USD 12 million to expand mine clearance efforts and education on mine safety. To date, the United States has assisted Cambodia in clearing 1.5 million mines over approximately 230,000 hectares.

This collaboration between USAID and Cambodia underscores a commitment to advancing health, safety, and socio-economic opportunities for the Cambodian population.

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