Cambodia has seen a remarkable decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates which reflects the positive progress of the health sector, said a senior official of the Ministry of Health. 

Speaking at a press conference organised here on Sept. 15 by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Dr. Yuok Sambath, the ministry’s Secretary of State, said that the maternal mortality rate declined from 5 in 1,000 to 4 in 1,000 between 2014 and 2022.  

The infant mortality rate was 8 deaths per 1,000 births in 2022, dropping from 18 deaths in 2014, she said, giving reference to the National Institute of Statistics 2021-2022 analysis.

“Maternal and infant mortality rates in Cambodia have dropped significantly, indicating that the health sector in Cambodia has improved,” H.E. Dr. Yuok Sambath said. 

To reduce maternal mortality, she continued, the ministry has educated pregnant women about self-care, regular prenatal check-ups and more food safety awareness.

H.E. Dr. Yuok Sambath also underlined the government’s cash support programme for pregnant women and children under two which is aimed to address the malnutrition of infants and children in poor families to promote physical and mental growth and participate in promoting maternal and infant welfare.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press