Critical cancer surgery for Cambodian infants

Reporting Period: October to January 2026

Overview

Between late 2025 and early 2026, Japan Heart’s Cambodia program reached a significant turning point with the opening and early operation of the Japan Heart Asia Children’s Medical Center (JHACMC). This period marked not only the realization of a long-awaited pediatric hospital but also a broader reflection on the organization’s achievements throughout 2025.

The launch of JHACMC represents more than a new building it embodies years of collaboration, training, and preparation aimed at creating a sustainable pediatric healthcare system in Cambodia. Alongside the hospital’s progress, Japan Heart continued to strengthen local medical capacity, expand access to surgery through outreach missions, and support thousands of children and families through consistent care.

This report highlights both the milestones surrounding the new hospital and the broader impact of Cambodia operations over the past year, demonstrating how long-term support is helping transform pediatric healthcare in the region.

Key Updates & Achievements

Japan Heart Asia Children’s Medical Center (JHACMC): Construction Progress, Team Milestones, and the Road Toward Opening

• Nov 7, 2025: Construction Progress and Operational Preparation
  As the new hospital building neared completion, teams focused on preparing clinical systems, workflow simulations, and training for the introduction of electronic medical records. Behind the visible progress of construction, staff worked tirelessly to ensure a safe transition without interrupting ongoing patient care, laying the foundation for sustainable pediatric services in Cambodia.
• Nov 12, 2025: Team Development and Relocation Preparations
  Medical and administrative teams collaborated to prepare for the relocation to the new facility. Through detailed planning, simulations, and cross-department coordination, staff strengthened their readiness for opening day while reinforcing a shared vision of delivering equal access to healthcare for children regardless of background.
• Nov 19, 2025: Final Phase Toward Opening
  As the opening approached, preparations intensified, including equipment setup, workflow testing, and staff alignment. Former team members and current staff came together with a shared commitment to shaping a hospital that prioritizes safety, trust, and long-term impact for children and families.
• Jan 5, 2026: Early Outcomes After Opening
  Following the official opening ceremony on October 31, outpatient services and surgeries gradually expanded. By mid-December, the center had already supported over 1,000 outpatient visits and conducted multiple surgeries, demonstrating its growing role as a trusted pediatric healthcare hub in the region.

Cambodia Program 2025 Review: Delivering Care, Strengthening Systems, and Investing in the Future

• Annual Reflection on Cambodia Operations
  2025 marked a milestone year highlighted by the opening of JHACMC, continued outreach surgical missions, and strong progress in local staff development. Outreach teams conducted five visiting surgical missions, performing approximately 90 surgeries and expanding access to care in underserved areas. Intensive surgical programs and hands-on training strengthened the skills of Cambodian medical professionals, enabling them to take more leading roles in patient care. By the end of the year, combined outpatient visits reached around 21,000 and surgeries totaled approximately 1,800 cases clear evidence of sustainable growth built through long-term support and collaboration.

Acknowledgement

None of these achievements would have been possible without the continued support of donors, partners, and supporters around the world. Your contributions help Japan Heart provide life-saving medical care, train the next generation of healthcare professionals, and create sustainable systems that ensure children can receive treatment regardless of financial or geographic barriers. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing trust and encouragement as we continue expanding access to pediatric healthcare in Cambodia.