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In celebration of International Children’s Day, Danone Cambodia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, officially launched Season Two of their “Child Health and Iron” themed School Food Safety Campaign
The event was presided over by H.E Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, in the presence of H.E. Igor Driesmans, Ambassador of the European Union to Cambodia, and Mr. Maarten Van Leeuwen, Country Manager of Danone Cambodia and Myanmar, alongside teachers, students, partners, influencers and Danoners — reaffirming a shared commitment to improving children’s health, nutrition and learning outcomes.
Iron deficiency anaemia remains a significant health concern among Cambodian children, particularly those under five, and can have a detrimental impact on their growth, concentration and school performance. A march marked the celebration, symbolising the importance of nurturing young generations through safe food practices and proper nutrition, while reinforcing the link between good health, cognitive development and academic success.
The initiative also highlighted safe and appropriate nutritional options for children, including DUMEX Dugro liquid milk, produced with new sourcing and aligned with EU standards, and containing Iron and Vitamin C as part of a balanced diet.
“Promoting balanced nutrition across the three essential food groups, with less sugar, salt and fat, is critical to supporting the healthy development of Cambodian children and improving their learning outcomes. Strengthening awareness, education and early screening will contribute to reducing iron deficiency anaemia,” noted the education minister.
The campaign will be delivered through school-based education led by focal teachers, public educational materials and expanded outreach through digital platforms and content creators.
The organisers explained that it three major goals.
- Establishing balanced daily diets across three food groups (energy-yielding, body-building and protective foods) with less fat, salt and sugar.
- Encouraging a healthy diet which is rich in iron and vitamin C.
- Reducing children’s consumption of sugary drinks.
“I am pleased to witness the strong collaboration between the Cambodian Government and Danone on International Children’s Day. The European Union continues to support initiatives that benefit children, including school and food safety campaigns that contribute to their health and well-being,” declared EU ambassador Driesmans.
Danone country manager Van Leeuwen explained the company’s vision.
“At Danone, our mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Together with the education ministry, we are committed to helping reduce iron deficiency anemia through initiatives that include educational campaigns, early screening, and the promotion of a healthy diet,” he said.
“This includes appropriate nutritional solutions such as DUMEX Dugro liquid milk, which features new sourcing with EU quality standards. It contains Iron and Vitamin C and is the only liquid milk endorsed for school use by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport,” he added.
He reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting healthier generations through safe food practices and balanced nutrition.
