Cambodia had suffered enormously due to war and internecine conflict during the latter half of the
twentieth century, more so during the Vietnam War. Total collapse of education and health systems
during the Pol Pot era continues to be a challenge for developing the necessary infrastructure and human
resources to provide basic minimum mental health care which is compounded by the prevailing cultural
belief and stigma over mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders (MNSDs). The mental health
research and services in Cambodia had been predominantly ‘trauma focused’, a legacy of war, and there
is a need to move toward epidemiologically sound public health oriented mental health policy and
service development. Integrating mental health program with primary health care services with
specifically stated minimum package of activities at primary level and complementary package of
activities at secondary level is an opportunity to meet the needs and rights of persons with mental,
neurological and substance abuse disorders (PWMNSDs) in Cambodia, provided there is mental health
leadership, government commitment and political will.