UNICEF delivers antiviral medicine to support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts to combat COVID-19

Phnom Penh, 17 August 2022 – Phnom Penh, 17 August 2022 – Today 826,560 tablets of Molnupiravir, an antiviral medicine used in COVID-19 treatment, were delivered to Phnom Penh International Airport by UNICEF. The sought-after medicine will further support the Royal Government of Cambodia as it continues its fight against COVID-19.

The supply is enough to treat 20,664 people affected by the virus in Cambodia. Funding was provided by UNICEF’s ACT-A Supplies Financing Facility (“ACT-A SFF”), with contributions from the Government of Canada. The ACT-A SFF is a UNICEF-housed fund dedicated to supporting low- and middle-income countries to equitably access key COVID-19 supplies, such as COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines.

Molnupiravir has been shown to reduce the risk of severe infection in people with COVID-19, especially among vulnerable groups including the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. The medicine will be made available for eligible patients through designated health facilities in Cambodia and will help the Royal Government of Cambodia to continue in its successful efforts to reduce the spread and impact of the pandemic on its population.

The delivery was greeted at the airport by representatives​​ from Ministry of Health Secretary of State , WHO and UNICEF Cambodia.

About ACT-A Supplies Financing Facility

The ACT-A SFF leverages UNICEF's Procurement Services to purchase supplies and provides an opportunity for donors to join the largest health and vaccines supply operation the world has ever seen. More information can be found here.