Phnom Penh:Cambodia's health sector has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its first kidney transplant, celebrated at a ceremony at the Embassy of France.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, this achievement was made possible through collaboration between Cambodia's Ministry of Health, the French Embassy, and the Hospices Civils de Lyon. Cambodian Minister of Health H.E. Prof. Chheang Ra expressed gratitude to the French Government and the Lyon medical teams for their valuable partnership.

The strategic kidney transplantation project began in 2019 but faced a temporary suspension due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. It resumed at the end of 2025, with Cambodian medical professionals receiving advanced training in Lyon, enabling them to perform the procedure in compliance with international standards.

The introduction of kidney transplantation addresses a critical health need in Cambodia, particularly for patients with end-stage kidney disease. To ensure the program's sustainability and safety, the Ministry of Health is committed to maintaining a rigorous legal framework, ongoing training for healthcare personnel, and close patient monitoring.