Press release
New Report Highlights Joint Action to Protect Children from Environmental Health Risk in Cambodia
23 October 2024
UNICEF Cambodia/2024/Seavhong Liv
- Available in:
- English
- Khmer
PHNOM PENH, 28 OCTOBER 2024 â The Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF has released the Childrenâs Environmental Health (CEH) report, the first of its kind in the country. This effort involved over 29 Ministry departments at national and sub-national level, including the Ministries of Health (MoH), Environment (MoE), Mines and Energy (MME), Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation (MISTI).
The CEH report, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health with the support of UNICEF and a contribution from the Clarios Foundation, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of children's environmental health in Cambodia. It highlights the major environmental health risks that children face, including exposure to air pollution, water and food contamination, heat stress, toxic heavy metals, pesticides, and other hazardous waste, which are exacerbated by climate change.
âEnsuring continued progress in maternal and child health is a top priority for the Royal Government of Cambodia. We recognize that environmental health threats pose significant risks to the gains we have made on improving the health of mothers and children over the past decadesâ, said Dr. Kol Hero, Director of the Preventive Medicine Department at the Ministry of Health. âWe are deeply committed to implementing strong multi-sector policies and programs that safeguard these gains. Today, we are proud to launch the final report of the national Children's Environmental Health Assessment, which will guide our efforts. By addressing environmental hazards, we are building a healthier, safer future for our children and future generations.â
Climate change and environmental degradation are disproportionally threatening childrenâs survival, health, education, protection, and well-being. The global rise of cancer, diabetes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and asthma has been accompanied by a surge in air pollution, e-waste, and the use of harmful chemicals in everyday products like plastics, food, electronics, toys, and skin creams.
âChildren today face unprecedented multiple environmental threats, including air and water pollution, heat stress and exposure to toxic waste and contaminants, which harm their health and cognitive development," said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia. "These early-life shocks limit children's potential to become future leaders and contributors to their economies. Tackling these complex issues requires multilateral cooperation and strong partnerships. By joining forces, we can create healthier environments so every child can thrive and reach their full potential. The future depends on it.â
UNICEF estimates that 300 million children globally live in areas where the toxicity levels of the air are six times higher than international guidelines. Based on global estimates1, Cambodia is among the countries in Southeast Asia region that ranked the highest on three environmental risk factorsâambient pollution, indoor pollution and lead exposure.
In Cambodia, it is estimated that nearly one in five deaths among children under five is attributable to both indoor and outdoor air pollution and that over 50% of children under the age of 18 have elevated blood lead levels due to lead exposure.
This alarming information was the catalyst for Government action to carry out the Childrenâs Environmental Health assessment, which launched today. Key recommendations from the CEH report include: strengthening policies, regulations, and their enforcement to prevent and control the exposure of pollutants and contaminants; enhancing the capacity of healthcare professionals to address environmental health issues; promoting public awareness, community engagement, and the engagement of youth on climate change and environmental issues; conducting further research and surveys, as well as improving monitoring and surveillance systems for environmental health.
The assessment has helped to foster further action and partnerships this year, such as a new partnership between UNICEF, USAID and the Ministry of Health to conduct a national survey on Childrenâs Environmental Health in 2025 which will provide data for the country to better understand the scope of toxic heavy metal contamination, including lead, in children and pregnant women and the sources of contamination. Furthermore, the Royal Government of Cambodia this year has joined the Childrenâs Environmental Health global Collaborative and the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future (PLF), a global initiative led by UNICEF and USAID to combat lead poisoning in children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
1The toxic truth Childrenâs exposure to lead pollution undermines a generation of future potential, UNICEF and Pure Earth, July 2020.
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