Cambodian supports for improved coordination and prioritization of child nutrition

Phnom Penh - May 21, 2014: Through World Vision’s Child Health Now campaign, more than 4, 600 youth and general public signed a petition to show their support for the leadership of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) to increase the priority and funding for improved child nutrition across the Kingdom. Up to 40% of children in Cambodia are malnourished.

CARD is the coordinating body for food security and nutrition in Cambodia and at a meeting with CARD Chairman, Deputy Prime Ministry H.E. Yim Chhay Ly, on Thursday May 22, youth representatives and World Vision staff will present the petitions and share a report demonstrating the scope of public support for improved nutrition in Cambodia.

In recent weeks, over 60 youth events have been held around the country as part of Child Health Now’s ‘Global Week of Action’ – a consolidated period of action from the global campaign between May 01-08.

“We are so impressed by the show of support for improved nutrition by Cambodian youth and public. It shows they don’t just see malnutrition as a problem for some families, but as a significant social issue that will impact the future growth and development of the Kingdom of Cambodia” says World Vision's National Director, Jason Evans. “Malnutrition is a multi-sector issue that requires a highly coordinated response between sectors - such as in water, education, agriculture – this is why the role of CARD is so vital”.

Malnutrition is the underlying cause of up to 45% of child deaths globally, and it also permanently impacts the physical and cognitive (mental) development of children. This drastically reduces the opportunities of individual children and also impacts economic growth through high national health care costs and a less productive workforce.

Improving food security and nutrition is considered a priority of the Royal Government of Cambodia as shown in the National Strategic Development Plan 2009 – 2013, and the forthcoming National Food Security & Nutrition Strategy 2014-2018, but further action is still needed. A recent survey from World Vision showed that 31% of the population thought malnutrition affects Cambodian society very much and 72% said it needed to be a higher priority for the Government.

Jason Evans adds, “Based on recent research [from UNICEF and WFP under coordination of CARD] we know that malnutrition costs the economy of Cambodia over $400 million annually. So improving nutrition for the children of Cambodia is not just a moral obligation, but is also a smart investment”.

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