Statistics

The following statistics are disturbing:  

• The status of children’s health in Cambodia rates amongst the worst in the world. Over 40 per cent of children under five are malnourished. Only 50 per cent of children are immunised. The mortality rate for children under five is amongst the highest in the region with 122 deaths per 1,000 births.  

• The health indicators are also very disturbing. Inadequate nutrition, poor maternal health and a major deficiency in Vitamin A, Iron, and Iodine. Acute respiratory infection, dengue, diarrhoea, typhoid and dehydration are almost constant problems, particularly in rural areas.  

• More than 56 per cent of Cambodia’s population is under the age of 19. Living in extreme poverty, many of these children face serious risks presented by homelessness, hazardous labour and prostitution.  

• It is estimated that over 10,000 children live on the streets in Cambodia. They are usually orphans abandoned or from broken families. Many have experienced violence, abuse, health problems, malnutrition, substance abuse and exploitation. Living impoverished lives, many have no idea of the joys of childhood experienced by other children around the world. 

• There are over 100,000 children aged between five and 17 who do not participate in education or normal play activities because circumstances have forced them into the workforce. Child labour in Cambodia includes working in brick factories, scrap collecting, scavenging and begging.

• The sexual abuse of children by locals and foreigners causes unimaginable physical and mental harm to children and destroys the fabric of Cambodian society. Based on recent findings, it is estimated that over 20,000 women and children are involved in the sex trade in Cambodia alone. Over one-third are believed to be children.  

•  In Cambodia approximately 15 per cent of the population lives with disabilities mainly from diseases such as polio, congenital disabilities acquired through malnutrition and poverty, and the after effects of war and conflict, especially the devastating impact of millions of landmines.  

• Cambodia appears to be a country that has been plagued by disasters. In 2001, for instance, while still recovering from the effects of a massive flood, Cambodia experienced a drought so severe that it affected almost 1.2 million people in ten provinces.  

• Cambodia’s health statistics reflect the problems caused by decades of war and a public health system that has limited capacity to deal with even primary health concerns.  

• There is an estimated 2.6 per cent of the adult population (aged between 15 and 49 years) living with HIV/Aids in Cambodia. This means that Cambodia has the highest infection rate in Asia. HIV/aids has a significant impact on communities heightening poverty, reducing health, breeding stigma and discrimination, and increasing the number of orphans. 

• Two million people were killed during the Khmer Rouge regime which clearly has impacted on the population in many negative ways.  

• Domestic violence is common-place for three out of every four children. Violent upbringings are not uncommon given the disturbing times that a great part of the population has experienced. Emotional needs of children tend not to be met.