With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the rise, Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for increased attention to eliminate the problem through cooperation, coordination, intervention and investment in agriculture, health, education, social protection, clean water and hygiene, and other related fields.
Manet’s message was read by Lao Sokharom, Vice President of the National Council for Sustainable Development, in conjunction with the 11th National Nutrition Day themed “Nutrition for Growth” on November 6 to highlight food security and awareness on nutrition.
According to the Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey, from 2000 to 2022, the stunting rate of children below five fell from 50% to 22%, while the emaciation rate has reduced from 17%. The percentage of children who were underweight dropped from 39% to 16%, and the underweight rate for women of childbearing age dropped from 20.60% to 10.55%.
The message said while the government has been focusing on addressing malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and declining breastfeeding rates, “obesity and overweight (rates) are also on the rise”.
“Eating a high-calorie diet, high in fat, sugar or salt, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables are the main causes of NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and cancer,” it added.
Manet urged working groups nationwide to mobilize communities, families, and schools to grow food and raise animals, to enhance food security and nutrition.
He said the goal is to ensure a diverse supply of nutritious, safe foods—such as grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and eggs—alongside clean drinking water and good hygiene practices. The emphasis is also on educating youths about Khmer cuisine, promoting traditional dishes with moderate use of salt, sugar, and fat, and supporting local producers of safe, nutrient-rich Khmer food.
The World Health Organization highlighted that the main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and stroke, chronic respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, cancer and diabetes.
These diseases are driven by rapid unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles, and population aging, it said. Unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity may show up in people as raised blood pressure, high blood glucose, elevated blood lipids, and obesity.”
Moreover, NCDs kill 41 million people each year, which is equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally, the organization stated.
Meas Mai, 72, from Siem Reap province, told CamboJA News that she has no health problems relating to blood pressure or NCDs, apart from lower back pain.
Asked how she looked after her health, she replied, “I don’t eat anything I shouldn’t. I stick to foods with mild flavors and eat vegetables grown around my house.”
She also avoids eating sweet foods after 4 p.m., adding that she heard that consuming sweet and salty foods can lead to high blood pressure.
The Health Ministry’s National Multilateral Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases 2018-2017 revealed that four NCDs, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes, are the main causes of almost half the deaths in Cambodia and are projected to increase. It is because of changing lifestyles and environment.
A series of campaigns by the ministry’s National Centre for Health Promotion promoted “Less Salt, Less Fat, Less Sugar” was launched recently involving a ringtone message played when someone made a call. It informed listeners to consume a low-salt, low-sugar diet and do 30 minutes of exercise daily to prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The message also highlighted the harmful effects of sugary drinks.
Jost Kadel, Deputy Chief of Mission and Representative of the German Embassy, praised Cambodia’s remarkable progress in reducing stunting, wasting, and underweight rates over the past two decades. He noted that the country has transitioned from high levels of malnutrition to a stage where hunger and malnutrition are no longer the primary concerns, but rather evolving challenges.
“Cambodia continues its rapid development, it faces the dual burden of undernutrition and a rising prevalence of non communicable diseases and obesity,” Kadel added.
He also added that Cambodia is at an important point where it can take a unique path that few countries have managed well. This path would balance economic growth with good nutrition and health, while avoiding issues like overeating and diet-related diseases. “Japan is a helpful example, showing how a country can grow economically without high rates of obesity.”
He said Cambodia can aim for a similar approach, making sure that as the economy grows, issues like malnutrition and obesity do not become major problems.
