In brief
On National Nutrition Day, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced Cambodia’s goal of universal access to adequate and safe nutrition by 2030. He set targets to cut under‑five stunting to less than 19 percent and wasting to under 6 percent, while noting persistent challenges such as anemia, obesity and micronutrient deficiencies. The announcement calls for cross‑sectoral collaboration and ongoing investment in nutrition across all ministries.
On National Nutrition Day, Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the country’s ambition to achieve universal access to adequate and safe nutrition by 2030. In a statement released on November 6, 2026, the leader highlighted the importance of food security and nutrition for human capital development, noting that good nutrition boosts work efficiency, fuels sustainable economic growth, and drives social progress.
Hun Manet emphasized that the past two decades had seen remarkable improvements in Cambodia’s nutrition indicators and overall human development, thanks to dedicated government efforts. However, he warned that “persistent challenges” remain. These include stunting, wasting, anemia, obesity, and a host of micronutrient deficiencies that continue to afflict the population.
To confront these problems, the government has set specific 2030 targets: reducing the under‑five stunting rate to below 19 percent and the wasting rate to below 6 percent. The Prime Minister said that these goals would be pursued through a strong commitment and cross‑sectoral collaboration that leaves no one behind.
In a related statement, Hun Manet called on all ministries to intensify investment in nutrition. The address, which was reported by KPS‑TV, underscored the need for coordinated action across government sectors.
“Food security and nutrition are vital for human capital development, improved work efficiency, sustainable economic growth, and social progress,” said the Prime Minister. This quote appeared in the official Xinhua release dated 2026‑11‑06.
The announcement comes at a time when Cambodia is grappling with a dual burden of malnutrition and non‑communicable diseases. While stunting among children under five has been gradually declining, the prevalence of overweight and obesity, particularly in urban areas, has been on the rise. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency anemia, persist across all age groups.
Hun Manet’s 2030 targets are part of a broader national strategy that aims to protect all citizens from every form of malnutrition. The goal is not only to reduce undernutrition but also to curb the spread of diet‑related diseases. By setting quantifiable benchmarks, the government intends to provide clear accountability and trackable progress over the next decade.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of community‑level interventions. Local health clinics will be expanded, and nutrition education programs will be rolled out nationwide to reach remote areas.
International partners, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have noted Cambodia’s commitment. In an exploratory statement, these agencies cautioned that while the targets are ambitious, they align with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal on zero hunger.
Moving forward, the Cambodian government will report annual progress updates. The first such assessment will likely come in 2027, outlining successes and identifying gaps that require corrective action. The narrative for the next decade will therefore centre on sustained investment, multi‑sector collaboration, and the strengthening of both public health infrastructure and public awareness programs.