PAILIN: The Ministry of Planning, in collaboration with the Pailin Provincial Department of Planning, held an outreach workshop on nutrition promotion in Cambodia under the theme "Understanding the importance of using fish sauce, iron in soy sauce and strengthening the implementation of the content of the inter-ministerial proclamation on production" on Thursday morning (7 April) in Pailin province.

The Adviser to the Ministry of Planning, Mam Borath, said that the workshop was aimed at reducing the incidence of anemia due to iron deficiency, and to contribute to improving the nutritional situation in Cambodia. He said Cambodia has made great efforts to improve nutrition, reduce poverty and eradicate hunger, with strong economic growth over the past two decades.

He said although Cambodia has made significant progress in improving the health and nutrition of mothers and infants, malnutrition in Cambodia remains a major concern for the Royal Government and development partners. Every year, nearly 4,500 cases of all child deaths in Cambodia are caused by malnutrition.

In addition, 32 out of 100 children under the age of 5, or 32%, have stunted growth. Micronutrient deficiencies include zinc, iron, iodine deficiency, etc.

These are still major issues for public health in Cambodia. Malnutrition not only affects the physical and mental development of children, but also seriously affects productivity, human resources and the national economy of the country as well.