PRESS RELEASE: Germany Supports Critical Nutrition and Newborn Care for Displaced Families in Cambodia’s Remaining Safety Centres

Phnom Penh, Cambodia — 23 February 2026 — For families remaining staying in safety centres across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces, daily life remains uncertain. Pregnant women, new mothers, and young children are among those facing the greatest risks.

To respond to these urgent needs, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Phnom Penh has partnered with World Vision International in Cambodia to provide essential nutrition and newborn care support to displaced families. The initiative aims to ensure that mothers and young children receive the care they need during this difficult period.

Valued at EUR 111,111.11 (approximately USD 129,254), the project is reaching 2,500 children under five and 1,000 pregnant and lactating women. It also includes the distribution of 200 newborn care kits across displacement sites in Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.

This support builds on assistance provided in September 2025, when Germany’s contribution enabled World Vision to deliver essential nutrition services to displaced families. While some progress has been made, many families continue to live in safety centres and face ongoing challenges in accessing sufficient food, healthcare, and basic supplies. Continued assistance is therefore critical to protect the health and future of mothers and young children.

During a recent distribution of nutrition kits in Banteay Meanchey province, World Vision Cambodia’s National Director, Janes Imanuel Ginting, witnessed first-hand the hardships families continue to endure. He met three generations of one family who had been displaced after their home, located just three kilometres from the border, was destroyed during the escalation of violence in December. With most of their belongings lost, they are now rebuilding their lives from almost nothing.

Reflecting on his encounter with the family, Janes shared:

“Today, we hope this support will help Sreynoch and other mothers continue breastfeeding while receiving the essential supplements they need. We extend our sincere thanks to the German Embassy in Cambodia and all our partners for standing with families during this difficult time.

“World Vision remains committed to working closely with camp committees and government authorities to support families as part of our humanitarian commitment. We hope they will soon be able to return home safely or resettle in stability. Above all, we pray for lasting peace in Cambodia.”

The project is implemented in close coordination with Safety Centre Committees, provincial health departments, operational districts, health centres and local authorities to ensure effective and accountable delivery.

Support provided includes Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food (REMAQ), Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (Nutrix), and multivitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant and lactating women. Postpartum and newborn care kits—containing postpartum pads, diapers, blankets and essential hygiene supplies—will help protect mothers and babies during the critical first month after birth.

Pom Theara, a midwife at Tbeng Meanchey Health Centre, emphasized the importance of continuity of care during displacement:

“Displacement should never interrupt essential maternal health services. When communities, health workers and partners work together, we can ensure antenatal care reaches women wherever they are.”

For families in the safety centres, the assistance brings both practical relief and renewed hope. Sreynoch, a first-time mother living at one of the sites, shared quietly:

“We left our home with almost nothing. The supplements and baby items help us care for our child while we wait for the chance to return safely.”

Germany’s contribution reflects its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Cambodia’s border regions, where displacement affects not only homes and livelihoods, but also children’s growth and development. For World Vision Cambodia, this partnership is vital to ensuring that mothers and young children are protected, supported, and not forgotten during times of crisis.

Further information, please contact:

Pisey Sar, Senior Public Engagement Specialist

Tel: 085 605 069

Email: pisey_sar@wvi.org