Mekong Children's Heart Care Project launched in Phnom Penh

The Mekong Children's Heart Care Project was launched in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on July 30. Under the project, at least 50,000 children across Cambodia and Laos will receive cardiac screenings and at least 70 children suffering from congenital heart disease will receive free surgical operations.

The project was funded by China's Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, which aims to implement the China-proposed Global Development Initiative and realize the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, said Zhong Jie, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, at the launching ceremony.

China, as a responsible major developing country, is committed to strengthening global partnerships and is willing to share its development experience with all parties, carry out practical cooperation in areas such as medical and health care, and enhance people's well-being by implementing more "small-yet-smart" projects, in order to jointly move towards a healthier and more prosperous future, she added.

Suriyan Vichitlekarn, executive director of the Mekong Institute, extended appreciation to the generous support from the Chinese government. Noting that the project is jointly carried out by Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, the Mekong Institute, and the health ministries of Cambodia and Laos, he said the project will significantly improve the well-being of children in Cambodia and Laos, and advance the development of the medical and health sector in both countries.