In the face of rising adolescent pregnancies and sexual health challenges, public awareness initiatives are becoming more critical than ever. 

During the October 14 “Let’s Talk Sexual and Reproductive Health” event, held in Phnom Penh, DKT International, a non-profit organisation which provides family planning products, reinforced its commitment to addressing these issues among young people.

DKT International, founded in 1989, uses social marketing to tackle global health concerns such as family planning, HIV prevention and access to safe reproductive medicine and treatment.

Through their programmes – in over 30 countries, including the newly launched DKT Mekong – the organisation aims to provide affordable contraceptive solutions to those who need them most, particularly young women.

“Today marks a pivotal milestone in DKT International’s vision to create a world where all children are wanted, sex is great, and people are free,” said Rodrigo Portugues, director of DKT Mekong, which covers Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. 

Portugues noted that adolescent pregnancy remains a significant concern in Cambodia, where 13% of girls give birth before the age of 18, according to the DHS 2021-2022 report.

The unintended pregnancies put both young mothers and their children at risk of adverse health outcomes. 

Lack of access to modern contraceptives and education about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) only worsens the situation. 

“Many of these pregnancies are unintended, and improving access to SRH education can help mitigate these risks,” Portugues explained. 

Efforts to bridge knowledge gaps, particularly in rural areas, are vital to increasing contraceptive use and reducing unsafe pregnancies.

Cambodia has made progress in expanding family planning services through public-private partnerships. 

However, significant challenges remain, including unsafe abortions. A UNFPA report revealed nearly 163 maternal deaths per 100,000 linked to unsafe procedures in 2022. 

Expanding access to safe abortion services and contraceptives is crucial to prevent such tragedies.

Efforts to reduce the spread of HIV are also crucial, particularly among key populations like men who have sex with men (MSM) and young people. 

Cambodia’s National AIDS Authority (NAA) reported 1,400 new infections in 2023, with young people accounting for 42% of cases. 

Portugues stressed the importance of accessible, non-judgmental sexual health services to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.

Local stakeholders like Korn Aun, president of Cambodian American Girls Empowering (CAGE) and head of the gynecological department at Calmette Hospital, also highlighted some cultural factors which may contribute to unsafe sexual behaviour.

“Cambodian society still holds many misunderstandings around sexual health,” Aun said. 

Euphemisms like "a visit from an auntie" for menstruation, and outdated traditions such as forced child marriages, contribute to a lack of open discussions about SRH.

Aun also pointed out the dangers of misinformation on social media, where young people are increasingly exposed to unverified health advice and "miracle cures." 

He urged healthcare professionals to step up efforts in educating the public, particularly through outreach in schools and communities.

Despite the obstacles, young Cambodians today are showing more interest in learning about their sexual health, a promising sign of progress. 

As the challenges of adolescent pregnancy, unsafe abortions and HIV transmission persist, continuous education and improved access to healthcare resources remain critical to achieving better sexual health outcomes for the country's youth.

The government, he said, provides education to all healthcare workers, enabling them to spread accurate knowledge to the public.

However, Aun expressed concern over the rise of misinformation on social media, where some people fall prey to false advertising promoting so-called miracle products and treatments. 

He warned that many are quick to believe such claims, despite their lack of scientific backing.