ENOUGH: Joint Efforts Are Needed to End Child Malnutrition in Cambodia

The Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD), in partnership with line ministries, development agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector, hosted Cambodia’s 11th National Nutrition Day (NND) under the theme “Nutrition for Growth.” This event, held at Sun and Moon, Urban Hotel was a rallying call for stakeholders across all sectors to unite against malnutrition and promote a healthier, more prosperous Cambodia. 

This year’s NND highlighted both ongoing and new efforts in the battle against malnutrition, a remaining challenge in Cambodia. The latest Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) revealed that 9.6% of children experience acute forms of malnutrition (wasting) across the Kingdom. In this context, CARD announced the launching of two new collaborative initiatives: a project with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Seed Fund partners – WFP, FAO, and UNICEF – and the ENOUGH Campaign by World Vision. These initiatives aim to enhance public awareness of healthy food choices and improve public health, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ending malnutrition and to Zero Hunger by 2030. 

National Nutrition Day 2024 gathered over 200 participants, including representatives from the Royal Government, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Nations, academia, and civil society. Together, these stakeholders discussed strategies to eliminate all forms of malnutrition – from under-nutrition to micronutrient deficiencies and over-nutrition. CARD encourages public and private organizations to support and participate in activities that promote sustainable nutrition solutions across Cambodia. 

"Improving nutrition is not just a goal—it’s a necessity for the health, prosperity, and sustainable development of our nation.” Said H.E. Dr. OUK Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of CARD, to continue “Together, we can ensure that no Cambodian is left behind on our journey to achieving better nutrition outcomes.”  

The event featured keynote addresses, including remarks by H.E. Ouk Rabun, Senior Minister and Chairman of CARD, and a speech by H.E. Prime Minister Hun Manet, whose messages underscored the key role of nutrition for the country’s growth, and the urgency of addressing the remaining hurdles.  

"Children and parents, especially from rural areas, struggle to have the right food for their health and growth on the table. Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful with the unwavering commitment we received from all stakeholders present today. This National Nutrition Day showed that there is ENOUGH will to end child malnutrition in Cambodia,” said Janes I. Ginting, National Director for World Vision International in Cambodia.  

Co-led by CARD and the child-focused agency, the ENOUGH campaign will span the next three years to create social behaviour changes towards healthier food choices, directly contributing to the new National Strategy for Food Security and Nutrition 2024-2028. 

The initiative aligns with Cambodia’s SDG 2 to ensure a future free from malnutrition and to realise Cambodia’s vision for 2030, graduating to an upper-middle-income country.  

Join World Vision’s call by sharing your commitment to ENOUGH accessible, affordable, nutritious food for all Children in Cambodia: https://forms.office.com/r/v2J6gqE0dM