Children enjoy a dip in a canal on a hot summer day in Battambang province’s Koas Kralor district in 2023. Hong Menea
UNICEF Cambodia has issued an advisory to the parents of small children, warning them of the threat pose by the current soaring temperatures and extreme weather conditions.
“Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke than adults. More importantly, very young children may not be able to communicate their distress, and do not know how to protect themselves from heatstroke,” said UNICEF Cambodia, in a March 12 social media post.
It recommended that if the parents or guardians of young children did have to take them outside, they should do so early in the morning or in the afternoon, to avoid the hottest part o the day. Children should wear thin, loose-fitting clothes and a hat.
Water should be carried at all times and children should be encouraged to drink often. It is also essential that children are not left unattended in a car or other vehicle in the heat.
“If a child faints from the heat, has a temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius, or has symptoms of heatstroke like a rapid heartbeat, headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue or loss of memory, they should be taken to a hospital or health clinic immediately,” added the post.
It reminded parents to keep their children cool with shade, fans or air conditioning, and suggesting the use of cool damp towels and ice chips to make them more comfortable. The post also reiterated the importance of good hydration and recommended that children be encouraged to drink lots of water.
Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation spokesman Touch Channy said on March 13 that the ministry pays close attention to the well-being of the Kingdom’s children, whether during hot weather or the rainy season, as children are more vulnerable to weather conditions.
He added that this year, the ministry has advised all orphanages and child care facilities, as well as parents, to take good care of their children.
“The ministry had issued instructions to all parents and guardians to take extra cautionary measures. They should not allow children to walk outside in the heat, and should pay close attention to their hydration,” he explained.
Nuth Sambath, president of the Institute of Medicine, Biology and Agriculture of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that when temperatures increase, children are more vulnerable than adults. Children get dehydrated very quickly and can develop diarrhoea, vomiting and so on.
“Children are at risk when the weather is hot. It can make them more prone to dermatitis, and many other symptoms which can last for a long time,” he said.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has forecast that the Kingdom could see temperatures as high as 41 degrees during the hottest part of the year in April and May.
