Phnom Penh (FN), Apr. 7 – Cambodia has achieved significant health outcomes in the past decades that have changed many people's lives for the better.

“Life expectancy has risen dramatically in Cambodia and as of 2021- 2022 was 76 years old. Nearly all (99%) women now give birth with a skilled health provider, an increase from just over one in three women in 2000,” according to a joint press release on Cambodia’s significant health achievement seen by Fresh News on Friday.

“Neonatal and under five mortality rates have rapidly declined over the past two decades, from 37 to 8 and 124 to 16 per 1000 live births respectively. This included an over 50% decrease between 2014 and 2021-2022 alone, far faster than global averages, and meeting the Cambodian Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) eight years ahead of schedule.”

Cambodia successfully eradicated polio in 1997 and has achieved significant progress in preventing, controlling, and eliminating other communicable diseases. The number of reported falciparum malaria cases is at its lowest ever, and it has been five years since malaria mortality was last recorded in 2018. The rates of tuberculosis incidence and mortality have decreased by around 50% from 2000 to 2021, and Cambodia achieved the reduction of global AIDS targets ahead of schedule, the press release added.

According to the press release, over the past decade, Cambodia effectively prepared for, and responded to, health security threats and emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, through the strengthening of its surveillance and response systems, laboratory capacity, and public health and social measures. In particular, Cambodia achieved high COVID19 vaccination coverage whilst still maintaining essential health services and delivered effective mental health and psychosocial support where it was needed during this heightened time of stress and crisis.
=FRESH NEWS