In Cambodia, drowning is one of the country’s most devastating—and least recognised—public health threats. Every year, more than 1,300 people lose their lives, with children facing the greatest danger.
WHO reports an all‑ages drowning rate of 7.6 per 100,000 people¹, but a nationwide household survey uncovered a much deeper crisis: children aged 1–17 drown at a rate of 35.0 per 100,000².
Behind these numbers are heartbreaking realities:
• 2,090 children die from drowning each year
• Six families, every day, lose a child
• A child’s life ends in water every 4 hours and 12 minutes
• 50 children survive with lifelong disabilities each year
Sources:
- WHO (2021) Regional status report on drowning in the Western Pacific
- TASC & UNICEF (2007) Cambodian Accident Injury Survey (CAIS)