Recent trends of non-communicable diseases in Cambodia: a narrative review of challenges, risk factors, and public health strategies

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a major public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with Cambodia facing a substantial and increasing burden. This narrative review complies with national data and policy-relevant findings to address the epidemiology of significant NCD categories, identify underlying risk factors, and evaluate systematic challenges to provide effective prevention and care. In addition, it also assesses current national strategies and highlights the most important areas for intervention, including primary prevention, expanded screening, sustainable health financing and intersectoral action. Addressing the increase of NCDs requires coordinated effort among governments, healthcare providers, and communities through comprehensive intersectional strategies. Lessons from the Cambodian experience are intended for future research, public policy, and NCD interventions in similar LMICs that are undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions, thereby promoting more effective and equitable NCD control.