The maternal mortality ratio in Cambodia has greatly decreased from 472 per 100,000 live births in 2005 to 206 per 100,000 live births in 2010 then to 170 per 100,000 live births in 2014 (CDHS 2014). RACHA programs, which focus on improving reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, have played a significant role in this progress as it worked to strengthen both the demand and supply sides of health care.

RACHA supported the strengthening of pre-service and in-service training of midwives and worked to advance the skills and knowledge of midwives by providing training and throughout the year maintaining up-to-date knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, Maternal and Newborn Health programs also supported structural upgrades of health facilities to comply with Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) standards including construction of waiting rooms; installing solar system, water filtration system and providing medical equipment and materials to improve the quality of maternal and newborn care at health centers (HC).

RACHA utilized the informal network at the grassroots to promote positive behavior change and communication among families and vigorously encouraged women to deliver at health facilities and access antenatal care (ANC) and post natal care (PNC). It strengthened the Village Emergency Referral System (VERS) in remote communities for easy transport of emergency cases to health facilities to ensure women with complications can reach life-saving emergency treatment in time. To complement with VERS, it initiated Charity Boxes to be set up in the Pagodas to generate funds for emergency transportation especially among poor women.