UN Analysis Final.pdf - United Nations in Cambodia

availability and strengthened delivery of quality reproductive and sexual health services; (iii) strengthened
community awareness of reproductive and sexual health needs and rights and increased demand for services;
and (iv) an expanded evidence base to inform policy and strategy development.
In September 2005, the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) published the Five-Year National
Plan on Drugs Control 2005-2010 (NPDC 2005-2010) (http://www.nacd.gov.kh). The Plan aims to minimize
drug-related harm to individuals, families and society. A structure for implementation, monitoring and
reviewing this strategy is in place and includes opportunities for agencies and NGOs to work with the
committees that oversee the strategy. NPDC 2005-2010 has identified youth as a ‘high risk’ group.
In 2005, MoEYS, in collaboration with the National Centre for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD (NCHADS)/
MoH, established the Programme on Life Skills for HIV and AIDS Education. It targeted in- and out-of-school
youth, and piloted its first phase in two provinces (Siem Reap and Kampong Speu), subsequently expanding
to 12 provinces in 2006/07. The Programme aimed to mainstream and strengthen the life skills of primary
students (Grades 5-6) and secondary students through classroom teaching and a peer educator approach.
Through the peer education-based approach, the Programme also targeted out-of-school youths aged
13-19, including street children, especially in Phnom Penh. However, there has been little if any monitoring
or implementation data on these programmes and it is difficult to assess the reach, content or quality
of what was being delivered to adolescents.
The Second Expanded Basic Education Programme (EBEPII) 2006-2010 was instituted in line with the
Ministry’s strategic priorities outlined in the current Education Strategic Plan and the Education Sector
Support Programme 2006-2010.. EBEPII mainly focuses on the integration of life skills associated with
HIV and AIDS, drug abuse, early sexual initiation and reproductive health into the new curriculum. It will
also integrate these life skills modules into community-based vocational skills training programmes
within the framework of local life skills in collaboration with MoLVT. EBEPII will advocate for the use of
these materials by the MoEYS Youth Department in its regular outreach activities with out-of-school
youths aged 10-24. Key objectives of the programme are implementation and prevention activities for
both in- and out-of-school young people, with an emphasis on the development of positive attitudes
and behaviour change, and the necessary involvement of local communities.
6.2 CURRENT SITUATION
While there are no nationally available baseline data about the health behaviour and status of young
Cambodians, smaller surveys suggest that sexual and reproductive health issues, including sexually
transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS, unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion, are all areas of concern
for adolescent/youth health. Other causes of morbidity and mortality include traffic accidents and
injuries, drug abuse and gang violence. Negative lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol
consumption, drug abuse and poor use of leisure time undermine the ability of youths to move towards
independent and responsible adulthood and full participation in society (World Youth Report 2007).
The major challenges to youth health include: sexual and reproductive health issues, including sexually
transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS, unwanted pregnancy, pregnancy-related illnesses and unsafe
abortion; mental health (suicide); accidents, including drowning, traffic accidents, falls, injuries from
sharp objects and animal bites; and violence.
66 Situation Analysis of Youth in Cambodia