Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen has issued a statement ahead of Sunday’s World Population Day. He has assured the United Nations that Cambodia is treating sexual and reproductive health as a priority, even amidst the battle against Covid-19. The Prime Minister says the Ministry of Health and relevant institutions have been working to strengthen and expand reproductive healthcare in the country.

He has highlighted the fact that women facing reproductive health issues are among the most vulnerable to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister says government is working on improving reproductive healthcare services in disadvantaged areas, particularly the north and northeast of Cambodia, as well as among vulnerable groups including the youth, indigenous communities, migrant workers and the disabled.

He says the Royal Government has fully implemented its National Strategy on Reproductive Health and Sexual Health, which aims to ensure that all people in Cambodia benefit and that maternal mortality rates are reduced. The Prime Minister has also stressed just how serious an effect the Covid-19 pandemic is having on human life, communities, economies and public healthcare systems around the world.

He says the Royal Government will continue to implement social protection policies and social assistance interventions aimed at improving the living standards of the poor, especially women and girls. Its cash support program for those worst affected by the pandemic has recently been extended for a further three months.