The US and Cambodian governments yesterday jointly announced the launch of USAID’s five-year, $16.25 million Integrated Nutrition, Hygiene and Sanitation project, an initiative that is projected to reach some 500,000 Cambodians in rural Battambang, Pursat and Siem Reap provinces.

According to a USAID statement, the program – dubbed “NOURISH” – will seek to improve childhood nutrition through projects such as meals in schools, agricultural diversification, hygiene education and improvements to maternal and pediatric health care.

Malnutrition is common among Cambodian children, with current figures showing that 40 per cent of children under the age of 6 suffer from stunted growth. In yesterday’s statement, USAID acting assistant administrator Denise Rollins called food security and nutrition “two of the most urgent issues that Cambodia faces”.