Health Poverty Action (HPA): is an international development organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of poor and marginalized communities. HPA focuses on reaching groups that are often underserved, using culturally appropriate approaches to address the specific needs of Indigenous people, ethnic minorities, migrants, and other mobile or hard-to-reach populations. By building strong relationships and fostering collaboration between health staff and communities, we work to deliver effective, sustainable health interventions. HPA is active in 16 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with programs that address a range of health priorities, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), maternal and child health, health system strengthening, health education, food security and nutrition, water and sanitation, and gender-based violence. In Cambodia, where HPA has been working since 1991, the organization has focused on improving health outcomes by addressing the disease burden and management of malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and COVID-19.

Project Background: Cambodia has experienced economic growth over the past 15 years, achieving lower middle-income status in 2015 and aspiring to reach upper middle-income status by 2030. This growth, driven primarily by export-focused industries such as manufacturing, construction, and tourism, has transformed the nation’s economy. However, this economic progress has not translated into equitable improvements in the livelihoods of the Khmer population. The challenging working conditions and exploitative practices have significant implications for workers' mental health; HPAs scoping and assessment are indicating high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among workers, yet mental health support remains inaccessible to the workforce.