A notable increase in non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health illnesses, has been observed in Cambodia during 2024.
This alarming trend, as reported by the Ministry of Health, underscores the urgent need for the development and implementation of effective healthcare strategies.
Diabet
A particularly salient example of this phenomenon is the striking surge in diabetes cases, which escalated by 59% between 2023 and 2024, resulting in 230,279 new diagnoses. This figure is further accentuated by the fact that 17,534 of these individuals required hospitalisation, representing a 43.25% increase compared to the preceding year.
Cancer
A parallel rise in cancer cases was also observed, with 31,518 patients receiving treatment in hospitals, marking an alarming 87.42% increase from the previous year. Among all cancer cases, breast cancer accounted for 20.4%, while cervical cancer accounted for 11.5%. While only 127 cancer-related deaths were reported, the sharp increase in cases is a cause for concern.
Mental health
Mental health concerns have escalated, with 282,615 cases reported in 2024, marking a substantial 197.8% increase from the previous year. This surge has led to an 8,792 increase in patients requiring hospitalization, indicating a 28.52% rise.
Beyond the scope of these non-communicable diseases, there has been a 21.4% surge in hypertension cases, with a total of 401,936 cases reported. This trend underscores the necessity for Cambodia to address a more extensive challenge in the management of chronic health conditions.
The data provided by the Ministry of Health indicates that Cambodia is grappling with a multifaceted array of health challenges, encompassing both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The rise in these diseases emphasises the necessity of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting preventive measures to address these growing health concerns.
Reasons
The increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Cambodia, including diabetes, cancer, and mental health cases, can be attributed to several key factors. Industrial development has led to more sedentary lifestyles, contributing to the increase in NCDs. Increased consumption of fast food and sugary beverages has become more prevalent, exacerbating health issues.Improved economic conditions have also led to increased reporting of NCDs, as people are more likely to seek medical care.
Greater awareness among the population about these diseases has also contributed to the rise in reported cases.
High intake of trans- and saturated fats, salt, and sugar contributes to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
The legacy of the Khmer Rouge regime continues to impact mental health, with many Cambodians experiencing trauma-related issues. Financial stress and other economic hardships contribute to the rise in mental health cases.
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