Background
On March 5, 2026, a meeting was held at the Office of the Council of Ministers to review and discuss the draft Royal Decree on the organization and operation of the Epidemiology Board (K.B.P.). The meeting was attended by Dr. Muong Vannarom, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Yi Sengdeurn, Deputy Chief of the Department of Infectious Disease Control.
Scope of Application
The draft Royal Decree governs the establishment, responsibilities, and operational procedures of the Epidemiology Board, a body mandated to oversee public health risk prevention, to coordinate multi-sectoral health professionals, and to support the enforcement of public health measures in Cambodia.
Key Provisions or Decisions
- Defines the scope of work focused on preventing public health risks and ensuring safety.
- Mandates intersectoral cooperation involving related health professional boards and the Ministry of Health under the One Health Approach, to address public health emergencies including epidemics, zoonotic diseases, and antimicrobial resistance.
- Specifies the roles, procedures, and technical standards for epidemiology technicians and local Epidemiology Board agents to ensure operational safety and effectiveness.
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
The decree is intended to serve as a robust legal instrument for protecting public health and ensuring national health security. Its provisions on multi-sectoral cooperation and technical standards may impact healthcare providers and related entities by mandating compliance with updated public health governance structures and protocols.
Official Source
Ministry of Health Facebook Post, March 6, 2026: https://www.facebook.com/MinistryofHealthofCambodia/posts/pfbid0GyW9Kaxh9VwKUZUwjyu51XK7fFW2d6vq9pNyefEG7S2hoh7vUnzjpvBk83njWuPel
