Cambodia has significantly reduced its neonatal and under-five mortality rates, ultimately reaching its Sustainable Development Goal targets eight years ahead of schedule.
“Providing quality care for mothers and newborns brings immense benefits – not just for families, but for entire communities and economies. Cambodia’s coordinated approach to maternal and child health serves as an inspiring model for the region and globally,” says Dr. Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia.
Cambodia struggled with alarming maternal, newborn, and under-five death rates due to poor infrastructure, a shortage of skilled birth attendants, and monetary constraints. Significant investments from the Cambodian government, the World Health Organization, and other key partners have turned the situation around. Today, roughly 98 per cent of births occur in a health facility with trained health professionals. All in all, neonatal and under-five mortality rates have declined by 54 per cent. Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure has also played a vital role in overall health outcomes. The nation plans to continue its progress with the Fast-Track Initiative Roadmap for the Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality (2025–2030), which will create a comprehensive action plan to ensure even the most remote areas are reached.
