Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) Recently, Ms. Lok Ken, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, Social Affairs, Veterans Affairs, Youth Rehabilitation, Labor, Vocational Training and Women's Affairs (Committee Eight) of the National Assembly of Cambodia, led a delegation to hold a working meeting with a delegation from the Indian Diabetes Experts Association (led by Dr. Gupta). The meeting focused on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Cambodia and discussed innovative solutions.
At the meeting, Chairperson Lok Ken expressed deep concern about the continued rise in the incidence of NCDs in Cambodia. She pointed out that despite multiple rounds of public awareness campaigns, the situation regarding the prevention and control of these diseases remains severe due to factors such as changing lifestyles and the widespread consumption of high-sugar processed foods.
A joint report by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that NCDs such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes account for 64% to 67% of all deaths in Cambodia, resulting in approximately 60,000 deaths annually, or 164 deaths per day. According to STEPS survey data, alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive salt intake (10 grams per day, twice the WHO recommended level), and lack of physical activity are the main risk factors for these diseases.
To actively address this public health challenge, the Eighth Committee, in conjunction with provinces, factories, and schools, launched a series of educational and awareness campaigns centered on the slogan "Less Salt, Less Sugar, Less Fat." This initiative aligns closely with the Cambodian government's first phase of the Pentagon's strategy, aiming to curb the spread of non-communicable diseases at their source.
Dr. Gupta highly praised the Cambodian National Assembly's leadership role in disease prevention and control. He emphasized that addressing non-communicable diseases requires systemic reform, encompassing coordinated efforts in areas such as the construction of public sports facilities and the popularization of nutrition education. Dr. Gupta, representing the Indian Diabetes Experts Association, also expressed a willingness to deepen cooperation with major hospitals in Cambodia, helping to improve local healthcare capabilities and genuinely enhance public well-being through specialist physician training and other means.
