In brief
On Nov. 6, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced national nutrition targets for 2030, citing progress in the last two decades and outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, anemia, overweight, obesity and related non‑communicable diseases. The plan sets under‑five stunting below 19% and wasting below 6%, while stressing that food security is integral to human capital development. The announcement came on National Nutrition Day, reflecting a government‑led, cross‑sectoral collaboration aimed at leaving no one behind.
On Nov. 6, 2026, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced the country’s ambition to secure universal access to adequate, safe and nutritious food for all citizens by 2030, marking a pledge on National Nutrition Day.
In a statement released by Xinhua, Hun Manet highlighted that nutrition and food security are crucial for human capital development, improved work efficiency, sustainable growth and social progress, adding that Cambodia has made notable strides in these areas over the past twenty years.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of a cross‑sectoral approach, saying that the government’s dedicated efforts have addressed food security and nutrition throughout the population, “leaving no one behind.”
Despite these gains, Hun Manet acknowledged persistent challenges that require “effective, ongoing solutions.” He enumerated several nutrition concerns—stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies, anemia, overweight, obesity and related non‑communicable diseases—as key obstacles ahead.
To tackle these problems, Cambodia has set clear 2030 objectives, aiming to reduce the under‑five stunting rate to below 19 percent and the wasting rate to below 6 percent, the Prime Minister reported.
The announcement came as part of an effort to align national policies with global nutrition targets, and to reinforce the perception that a healthy population underpins economic resilience and social cohesion.
Hun Manet’s remarks suggest that the new targets are part of a broader strategy to integrate nutrition into multiple sectors, from agriculture and health to education and community development.
While the Prime Minister celebrated past progress, his speech also implied that addressing the spectrum of malnutrition—ranging from undernutrition to obesity—is essential; thus, the plan calls for balanced feeding programs that cater to diverse nutritional needs.
This initiative is expected to influence future public‑health campaigns, government procurement policies, and international assistance, converging on the goal of fostering a healthier, more productive society by 2030.