The US called on Cambodia to take measures to better provide health to women, an average five of whom die each day while giving birth.

The high maternal mortality rate goes with a high infant mortality rate, and the US called for serious action from the government and NGOs to help women.

“The Government of the United States of America takes great interest in women’s health and the Embassy commends all health organizations in Cambodia that are working to further women’s health in the country,” the embassy said in a statement, marking International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

“We believe that combining women’s empowerment with access to health services strengthens the individual and the family,” the embassy said.

Cambodia’s maternal mortality rates rank among the highest in Southeast Asia, resulting in about 2,000 deaths each year, the embassy said.

But midwives trained in recent years had helped reduce the rate.

“We take the today’s ‘call to action’ seriously and look forward to working with our partners in the Royal Government and in the NGO sector to continue helping women and their families in Cambodia,” the embassy said.