Tobacco research in Cambodia started in 1994. Since then ongoing research has taken place, showing staggering statistics that give Cambodia some of the highest smoking prevalence in the world today. Smoking is affecting more than just those smoking cigarettes, it affects also the economy. The economic loss for Cambodia is staggering. WHO/MOH (Ministry of Health) projections for Cambodia details that between 1997 and 2007 there will be 73,500 deaths in Cambodia related to smoking. This will result in an indirect cost to the economy of almost $1,079 million, not to mention the human loss. If Cambodia could prevent just 2.5 deaths per day (900/year) from smoking related diseases, it could save the Cambodian economy more than $120 million over a 10 year period.

Because of these the disturbing statistics ADRA Cambodia is committed to continue working in the area of Tobacco or Health with our partners and friends