March 20, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Or Vandine, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, shared a heart warming story to her social media about a woman who recently gave birth aboard a boat in a remote area of Kampong Thom province.
Ordine praised the quick actions of midwifes from the Kampong Khleang Health Centre, who safely delivered a healthy baby boy.
He was born on March 9, with his mother, Hen Sran, from Doan Kiem village in Stoung district, going into labour as she was making her way to the health centre in a small boat.
Sran’s delivery occurred in a challenging and unusual situation, but thanks to the quick and efficient action of the health staff, both mother and child were kept safe.
They are now receiving further care and monitoring at the health centre, with financial support also provided to ensure their well-being.
“This incident exemplifies the professionalism and dedication of our medical teams, who work in challenging conditions across the country. It’s a testament to their humanity and unwavering commitment to medical ethics,” said Vandine.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the staff at Kampong Khleang Health Centre. May you continue your important work with strength and compassion,” she added.
This isn’t the first time Cambodian health workers have performed such extraordinary acts of assistance.
Throughout the Kingdom’s rural areas, medical teams face difficult circumstances, often performing life-saving acts with limited resources.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as they play a vital role in Cambodia’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
In Cambodia, some expectant mothers still give birth outside of hospitals or clinics, due to limited access to healthcare facilities and transportation challenges.
For instance, in May 2023, a 22-year-old woman from Cham Yeam, Koh Kong province, unexpectedly delivered her baby halfway to the hospital, again while travelling by boat.
Her midwife, Thlang Sotheavy, who had been alerted in advance, assisted in the delivery at sea, ensuring immediate care for both mother and newborn.
A similar incident occurred in Kratie province in February, with another nautical baby welcomed into the world.
Despite the heroic efforts of midwives and healthcare workers, Cambodia still faces significant challenges in improving maternal health.
According to the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) 2021-2022 released in January 2024, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains high, at 154 deaths per 100,000 live births.
This figure shows limited progress compared to the 170 deaths per 100,000 recorded in 2014, and well above the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing the MMR to below 70 per 100,000 by 2030.
However, there is good news in other areas of child health.
The infant mortality rate and under-5 mortality rate have seen significant declines, surpassing Cambodia’s Millennium Development Goals.
In fact, the mortality rates for babies and children under five have halved since 2014.
Minister of Health Chheang Ra celebrated this achievement, noting that Cambodia has already met the SDG targets for reducing deaths among children under one year and under five years.
The health ministry has reported significant improvements in prenatal care, with almost all pregnant women receiving antenatal support from trained medical staff – a substantial increase from just 38 per cent in 2000.
The percentage of deliveries attended by trained medical staff also rose sharply, reaching 99% from just 30% in 2000.
Despite these successes, the government is aware that more work is needed. A provisional moving average prediction model suggests that, unless further efforts are made, Cambodia may not reach the SDG target of an MMR below 70 by 2030.