The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia announces the nationwide introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into the National Immunization Schedule, marking a significant milestone in protecting infants and young children from one of the leading causes of severe diarrhea and child mortality.
This milestone addresses a critical global health challenge. Diarrheal disease is the third leading cause of death in children aged 1–59 months worldwide, claiming over 443,000 children under five annually, and rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrheal disease. The virus spreads easily among young children, causing fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea that can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Beyond the immediate threat to life, repeated episodes of rotavirus disease contribute to malnutrition and stunting that impair child development.
Diarrhea remains a leading cause of childhood illness and death in Cambodia, with rotavirus responsible for roughly half of severe diarrheal disease. Previous studies at the National Pediatric Hospital found that approximately half of hospitalized diarrhea cases were due to rotavirus, with most occurring in children under two years old.
Rotavirus disease is highly preventable through vaccination. First recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009, the vaccine has been introduced in 131 countries. Rotavirus vaccines have proven to be a cost-effective intervention that not only saves lives, but also reduces the burden on families and health systems. Countries that introduced the vaccine observed a 59 percent average reduction in rotavirus hospitalizations among children less than five years old, and a 36 percent decrease in deaths from severe diarrhea. In addition, rotavirus vaccination helps prevent unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic use, which is often wrongly prescribed for the viral diarrheal disease.
His Excellency Professor CHHEANG RA, Minister of Health, emphasized the vaccine’s lifesaving potential: “The introduction of rotavirus vaccine represents our commitment to protecting Cambodia’s children from preventable diseases. This vaccine will save lives and reduce hospitalizations caused by severe diarrhea. Rotavirus vaccination supports Cambodia’s progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. I encourage all parents to bring their children to the nearest health center to receive this important vaccine.”
The introduction of the rotavirus vaccine supports Cambodia’s National Immunization Strategy 2021–2025 and the Health Strategic Plan 2025–2034, which emphasize expanding immunization to reach Cambodia’s children as part of comprehensive primary health care.
Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, commended Cambodia’s commitment to saving children’s lives and strengthening health systems to reach all communities. “The rotavirus vaccine is a proven and cost-effective tool to prevent severe diarrhea and deaths in young children. Successful introduction relies on robust planning, health workers’ efforts, and active community engagement. WHO remains committed to working alongside the Ministry of Health to strengthen immunization systems and ensure this lifesaving vaccine reaches all children, particularly those in high-risk populations and communities.”
Cambodia joins 52 other low- and middle-income countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to introduce the rotavirus vaccine. The vaccines and injection supplies used in Cambodia’s national program are WHO-prequalified and procured through the UNICEF system, which ensures the highest quality and safety.
“Gavi’s support for Cambodia’s nationwide rotavirus vaccination campaign reflects the power of global partnerships in protecting children’s health. Working together with governments, health workers, and international partners ensures vaccines reach every child, including those in remote and urban communities. Vaccines help to keep children in school, prevent caregivers from missing work, and save health systems and governments from costly treatments,” said Nadia Lasri, Senior Country Manager and Coordinator of Gavi in the Western Pacific Region.
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Gavi works with governments to co-finance routine and preventive immunization, and support health systems strengthening as well as response activities, including against rotavirus, in low- and lower-income countries. Over the past 25 years, Gavi-supported countries have immunized more than 406 million children against rotavirus with Gavi support.
The rotavirus vaccine will be given orally in two doses to infants at six weeks and 10 weeks of age, along with other routine childhood vaccines. Dr Ben Zinner, Country Director of Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) in Cambodia, shared appreciation for Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening immunization data management systems: “Cambodia has made commendable progress in building strong immunization data systems, which are essential for ensuring that every child in Cambodia is protected. CHAI remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health to ensure that high-quality, timely data is available and used by health workers to identify coverage gaps, plan services effectively, and respond quickly to emerging needs.”
The Ministry of Health and partners emphasize that vaccination works best as part of a comprehensive approach, including proper hygiene practices and seeking timely medical care. Dr Will Parks, UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, stressed the importance of encouraging families to vaccinate their children: “For a vaccine to save lives, it must reach every child and that requires trust, awareness, and strong engagement from families and communities. UNICEF is proud to support Cambodia in ensuring that parents have the knowledge and confidence they need to protect their children with the rotavirus vaccine. When parents choose vaccination, they are safeguarding their child’s health today and unlocking opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.”
This vaccine introduction represents a collaborative achievement involving the Royal Government of Cambodia, development partners, health workers, and communities nationwide, demonstrating Cambodia’s commitment to ensuring that all children have access to lifesaving vaccines.
