When dermo-cosmetics bring continents closer together: Bioderma and Mintha Care invest in training in Cambodia

At the University of Health Sciences campus in Phnom Penh, more than 120 students and health professionals recently took part in an exceptional master class hosted by Mintha Care Cambodia, Bioderma and the Bioderma Foundation.

The event, which was attended by the French Ambassador to Cambodia, Olivier Richard, H.E. Bory Sothavireak, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and Sarah Lubeigt, CSR General Manager of the Mintha Care Group for the Mekong Basin, was part of a shared desire to strengthen the links between innovation, training and public health

A Franco-Cambodian partnership to promote dermatology

Since 2023, this exemplary cooperation programme has enabled eleven Cambodian dermatology students to receive grants for clinical observation placements in University Hospitals (CHU) in France. These internships, made possible by the Bioderma Foundation, offer a unique experience in dermatological diagnosis and treatment, while encouraging constant exchange between teachers and practitioners in the two countries.

In the same spirit, two Master's students in dermo-cosmetology from the Faculty of Pharmacy in Phnom Penh were able to stay in Aix-en-Provence, at the NAOS Les Laboratoires Research and Development centre, to follow a practical formulation course. This experience enabled them to immerse themselves directly in the world of scientific cosmetology, at the crossroads of biology, health and innovation.

Academic exchanges and sustainable commitment

Exchanges are not limited to hosting students: every year, French dermatology professors travel to Phnom Penh to provide specialist training and support consultations in public hospitals. This transfer of skills, supported by the Bioderma Foundation, is a concrete illustration of the vocation of Franco-Cambodian health cooperation, particularly in an area as essential as skin health, which is often neglected in developing health systems.

During the meeting, Sarah Lubeigt emphasised that this initiative bears witness to the social responsibility shared by the private sector and academic institutions: "Our commitment aims to advance dermatology in South-East Asia, while at the same time promoting human and scientific exchanges between France and Cambodia.

An alliance for the future

Thanks to this partnership between Mintha Care Cambodia, Bioderma and the Bioderma Foundation, young Cambodian dermatologists are now better prepared to meet the region's growing skin health needs. These initiatives are part of a wider movement to support medical training, backed by French development aid and committed private players such as NAOS.

The initiative, which has already been hailed by the local medical community, embodies a virtuous model in which research, education and social responsibility combine to strengthen Cambodia's health capabilities over the long term.

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About Mintha Care Cambodia

Mintha Care Cambodia is a leading distributor of pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic solutions in Cambodia. With regional expertise, it is committed to providing quality products while actively supporting the skills development of local healthcare professionals. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, Mintha Care Cambodia works to strengthen medical knowledge and promote sustainable health in the Mekong Basin. Its collaboration with international groups and academic institutions makes it a key player in Cambodia's health sector.

About Bioderma

Bioderma is a leading French dermo-cosmetics brand, renowned for its innovative approach based on ecobiology, which aims to respect the skin's natural balance while providing effective solutions to various dermatological problems. Established in over a hundred countries, Bioderma relies on rigorous scientific know-how and close collaboration with health professionals. In addition to its products, Bioderma is involved in educational and humanitarian initiatives aimed at improving skin health globally, particularly in developing countries.

About the Bioderma Foundation

The Bioderma Foundation is a philanthropic institution created to support the progress of dermatology worldwide. It implements concrete actions in training, research and access to dermatological care, particularly in the most vulnerable regions. Working in partnership with universities, hospitals and international experts, the Foundation promotes the transfer of knowledge and mutual enrichment between France and the beneficiary countries. In Cambodia, it plays a key role in developing the skills of young dermatology specialists, thereby contributing to sustainable improvements in patient care.

These entities, united by a shared vision of excellence and solidarity, are a perfect illustration of the dynamics of innovative and humanistic cooperation between France and Cambodia in the field of health.