PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Health, along with its partners, marked a significant achievement on the National Day of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health on February 21. The event underscored Cambodia's commitment to meeting global standards in maternal and child health coverage, showcasing remarkable progress in this vital area.

The celebration in Phnom Penh was led by Prof. Chheang Ra, Minister of Health, and saw the participation of distinguished representatives from the Cambodian Red Cross, various government agencies, and international development partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, and FHI 360.

Prof. Chheang Ra highlighted the substantial strides Cambodia has made in reducing mortality rates among newborns, infants, and children under five years of age. Since 2014, these rates have more than halved, with current figures standing at 8, 12, and 16 per 1,000 live births, respectively, for 2021–2022. This achievement signifies Cambodia's success in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 aimed at ending preventable deaths among infants and young children.

Additionally, nearly all pregnant women in Cambodia now have access to prenatal care, with 99% reporting care from trained health professionals during pregnancy, a dramatic increase from 30% in 2000. The percentage of child deliveries attended by skilled health workers has also surged from 32% in 2000 to 99% in 2021–2022.

Despite these accomplishments, Prof. Chheang Ra urged stakeholders not to become complacent. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration to enhance the quality of maternal, newborn, and child health services, as well as to improve the overall health care system. The goal is to ensure a healthier future for all Cambodians.

This commitment to advancing maternal and child health care marks a pivotal step forward for Cambodia, reflecting a dedication to bettering the lives of its citizens through improved health care practices and policies.