The brutal Pol Pot Regime, years of civil war and foreign occupation have left Cambodia one of the world’s poorest countries. Approximately 34% of Cambodians survive on less than $1US per day. Of a population of 13 million, nearly half are under the age of 15. Unfortunately, the children suffer greatest from poverty, unsafe water and a lack of adequate sanitation. 51% of Cambodian children are malnourished and one in seven will die before their fifth birthday – largely due to preventable causes. The HIV infection rate in Cambodia is the highest in the region, many children have lost parents to AIDS and some are infected themselves.
Cambodia is now in the process of rebuilding. Following decades of destruction and decay, medical infrastructure is especially weak. There are only 30 Cambodian doctors to serve every 100,000 people. Per capita health expenditure is low, with the majority of funding coming from foreign sources.

Every child has the right to a healthy and loving life. Angkor Hospital for Children exists to provide nurturing pediatric care, medical education and community outreach. By healing children, preventing disease and training health professionals, a better future lies ahead.