In an exclusive interview with Leader Talks, Rodrigo Portugues, Regional Director of DKT Mekong, shared insights into the organization’s entry into Cambodia’s reproductive health market. Building on over 30 years of success in Vietnam and a deep understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges, DKT Mekong seeks to enhance access to SRH information, education, communication (IEC), products, and services in the Kingdom.
A Timely Entry: Cambodia’s Current Landscape
“Cambodia represents a critical opportunity for DKT Mekong,” Rodrigo remarked, highlighting the favorable regulatory environment and significant unmet needs for modern contraception, teenage pregnancy prevention, unsafe abortion reduction, and tackling HIV/STI infections.
Drawing from its success in Vietnam—where in 2023 alone, DKT Mekong distributed over 8.5 million condoms, 270,000 intrauterine devices (IUDs), 13.5 million cycles of oral contraceptive (OC) pills, 187,000 emergency contraceptive (EC) pills, and 3,800 manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) kits—the organization provided 2.3 million Couple Years of Protection (CYP), achieving a remarkable 40% growth compared to 2022.
In Cambodia, surveys reveal SRH challenges, including teenage pregnancies and unsafe abortions, with youth disproportionately affected. Recognizing this, DKT Mekong is committed to offering a full range of SRH solutions, from condoms and EC pills to short-term methods like OCs, alongside long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as hormonal & non-hormonal IUDs and implants. The organization also addresses safe abortion and miscarriage management, including postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) care through medical abortion, misoprostol, and MVA.
“Empowering midwives as frontline providers is crucial,” Rodrigo noted, acknowledging the critical role midwives play in bridging gaps in SRH access and serving as community-level solutions to pressing healthcare needs.
Comparing Regional Markets: Insights from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
While Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia share the overarching goal of improving SRH outcomes, each market presents distinct dynamics. In Vietnam, DKT’s approach includes tailoring products to diverse consumer preferences, allowing individuals to choose modern contraception methods that align with their specific needs and stage in life, whether LARC methods such as IUDs, Implant or short-term methods, newer technology oral contraception with lower side effects and added non-contraceptive benefit such as skin care.
“Cambodia’s market is still evolving,” Rodrigo explained. The 2022 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS) indicates an increase in modern contraceptive use from 39% to 45%, yet 42% of married women report not using any method despite intending to in the future. “Over half of Cambodian consumers access contraception through the private sector, particularly pharmacies,” he added, underlining the importance of the role of private providers in meeting demand.
Ambitious Goals for Sustainable Growth
DKT Mekong’s short-term goals include urban market penetration while gradually expanding outreach to underserved communities and minority groups. “As DKT International is one of the world’s largest private providers of contraceptive and safe abortion products, we are committed to making a meaningful impact in Cambodia’s SRH market through sustainable growth,” Rodrigo affirmed.
The organization’s long-term strategy aligns with Cambodia’s goal to increase its modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR), currently at 46%. This includes ensuring a constant supply of affordable, high-quality products across various channels, from hospitals and pharmacies to general trade. Clever marketing campaigns and training healthcare providers further support these efforts.
Moreover, the organization plans to provide training to healthcare providers such as midwives, pharmacists, and OBGYNs, and engage various stakeholders and local key opinion leaders, including partners in hard-to-reach/remote areas where free services are the norm.
Global Impact by DKT International
DKT International made a global impact in 2023, averting 16.75 million unintended pregnancies, 16.9 million unsafe abortions, and 32,500 maternal deaths while training 468,000 healthcare providers to strengthen communities and health systems worldwide.
Trends and the Future of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Cambodia
As digital platforms gain prominence, DKT Mekong is leveraging innovative tools to engage Cambodia’s tech-savvy youth. Through interactive educational programs and social media campaigns, the organization aims to reshape perceptions and raise awareness about SRH. “This dynamic environment creates a unique opportunity to meet growing demand and shape positive outcomes in a rapidly evolving market,” Rodrigo explained.
The organization has also recognized the rise of family planning services and socio-economic development leading to increased uptake of modern contraceptives and a reduction in disparities across demographic groups. “As more Cambodian women take active roles in household decision-making and the labor market, we recognize the importance of empowering this generation with accessible and reliable reproductive health options,” Rodrigo highlighted.
“We acknowledge the Cambodian government’s strong leadership, alongside the efforts of SRH organizations and the private sectors, in driving significant progress in improving SRH in the Kingdom. At DKT Mekong, we are committed to working closely with these stakeholders and local partners to further enhance education, communication, and scale up capacity-building efforts for healthcare providers,” Rodrigo noted.
Looking ahead, DKT Mekong’s strategy focuses on partnerships with local trusted distributors, like DKSH Cambodia and MEET HENG (Cambodia) LTD, to make a meaningful impact in Cambodia’s SRH landscape. “Working hand-in-hand with local trusted partners, healthcare providers, and stakeholders, we are breaking barriers and building a future where sexual and reproductive health is accessible to all Cambodians,” Rodrigo concluded.
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DKT International, founded in 1989, is a non-government, non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical global health needs through social marketing. Its focus areas include family planning, HIV/STI prevention, and safe abortion. As one of the world’s largest private providers of family planning resources, DKT International manages five of the ten largest global contraceptive social marketing programs, has offices in over 30 countries, with a reach spanning more than 100 nations. The organization is committed to providing high quality, affordable, safe and exciting contraceptive solutions to everyone, from different socioeconomic levels, particularly those with the highest need.
