In brief
In Phnom Peh, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced Cambodia’s ambition to deliver universal access to safe, nutritious food by 2030. He highlighted progress over two decades and set specific targets of under‑five stunting below 19 % and wasting below 6 % by 2030. The prime minister called for sustained, cross‑sector action to overcome remaining challenges such as anemia, obesity and micronutrient deficits.
On November 6, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet addressed the nation from Phnom Peh, declaring Cambodia’s goal to ensure universal access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food by 2030. The announcement took place on the 13th National Nutrition Day, a day set aside to focus on the country’s food security and nutritional status. Hun Manet said the target would protect every citizen from all forms of malnutrition and elevate the nation’s human capital for broader social and economic growth.
Speaking at the event, the prime minister emphasized that food security and nutrition are vital for human capital development, improved work efficiency, sustainable economic growth, and social progress. He praised the government’s two‑decade record of “remarkable progress” in nutrition and highlighted the importance of cross‑sector collaboration to leave no one behind.
"With strong commitment and cross‑sectoral collaboration, food security and nutrition issues have been addressed for all citizens, leaving no one behind," said Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The prime minister also outlined the persistent challenges that remain, noting that stunting, wasting, anemia, overweight, obesity, micronutrient deficiencies and related non‑communicable diseases require continued, effective solutions. He revealed the specific targets Cambodia will pursue to meet the 2030 goal: an under‑five stunting rate of below 19 % and a wasting rate of below 6 %. These targets are intended to measure progress toward a more resilient and healthy population.
"To combat these issues, the Southeast Asian nation has set clear 2030 targets, aiming to reduce the under‑five stunting rate to below 19 percent and the wasting rate to below 6 percent," Prime Minister Hun Manet added.
The statement underscored that achieving universal nutrition will require sustained policy support, appropriate resource allocation, and public engagement across sectors. Hun Manet called on all ministries, civil society, and local communities to maintain focus on ongoing nutrition challenges while honoring the gains already made. Cambodia’s commitment to a 2030 nutrition agenda marks a decisive step toward a healthier and more equitable future for its citizens.
