Accelerating progress on sexual & reproductive health & rights is key driver towards SDGs Improvements in the health sector, as well as in other sectors such as infrastructure development, economic growth and poverty reduction, play a major role in improving not only health and life expectancy of the people, but also have a direct impact on their sexual and reproductive health. Recognizing the importance of integrated sustainable development, 193 countries committed to deliver on the promise of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where no-one-is-left-behind. With only less than 131 months left to deliver on 2030-SDGs, a reality check is key to ensure the world delivers on all targets, for everyone, everywhere. “Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), as envisioned in the SDGs, are about universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, addressing issues related to gender, comprehensive sexuality education and maternal mortality, and integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes” said Dr Chivorn Var, convener of forthcoming 10th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR10, www.apcrshr10cambodia.org) and Executive Director of Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC). SRHR : Cambodia is more liberal and progressive than many other countries of the Asia Pacific region Added Dr Chivorn Var: “Cambodia is more liberal and progressive regarding issues related to SRHR than many other countries of the Asia Pacific region. SRHR falls within the scope of the fundamental human rights and are central to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development across various socio-economic and environmental dimensions.” Progress has happened but is it fast enough? Over the years, the overall health status of the Cambodian people has improved through expansion of medical facilities, as well as social health protection system. In the last five years, Cambodia has added nearly 100 new health centres and 30 hospitals. This has resulted in increased accessibility to healthcare services, including those for sexual and reproductive health needs. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined from 470 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005 to 160 in 2017 (SDG target for 2030 is to reduce MMR to 70). Cambodia has also made…