HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Illnesses or accidents cause poverty.
We denounce a myth: many say health programs are not sustainable, they are a bottomless pit in need of endless funding. It is important to understand the people will put the health of their family and children above all. Above the refund of a microloan; above the treatment of a sick animal… Ignoring this will reduce the people’s interest in the project and will put programs at risk.
Illnesses or accidents cause poverty
Health care is sometimes very expensive. CAO helps the poor for a small part and motivates the community to contribute. If there is an emergency, and for the poor, CAO covers all costs: for example, when a child is hit by a motorcycle, etc. In Cambodia health services in the villages are often of poor quality and expensive, especially if one considers the transport costs.
In the case of illness, diagnoses are often whimsical, leading to the consumption of large quantities of useless or dangerous medicines. Sometimes people prefer to go to Phnom Penh. A return trip to the city can cost the equivalent of the family budget for the month -the peasants are being ripped right off as soon as they get off the bus at the station. Because of the exorbitant expenses, they are often compelled to sell valuable assets like livestock, land, or even their house at a low price. Even if they cannot work for a few days could lead to the worst disaster, most peasants do not have insurance, except the solidarity of neighbors. Emergency loans from moneylenders may cost 10% interest per month.
Ms. En Norn’s Journey from Disability to a Better Life
Ms. En Norn, 32, is a widow and mother of two children from Kampong Ampil Village, Rumdoul District, Svay Rieng Province. Her family is very poor, and she lives in a simple house made mainly from palm leaves.
Two years ago, Ms. Norn suffered a serious leg injury in an accident. Although her parents took her to hospital and later to a private clinic for treatment, the family could not afford the long-term medical care she needed. Her condition became chronic, and she developed a serious infection. She could no longer walk normally or work.
CAO’s Women’s Group Health Team learned about her situation and decided to help. CAO supported her to receive medical examinations in Vietnam and later brought her to Takeo Provincial Hospital and the CSC in Phnom Penh for further treatment. After medical assessment, doctors successfully operated on her knee and replaced the damaged joint with a prosthetic knee.
With continued support and rehabilitation from CAO, Ms. Norn gradually recovered. After about one year, she was able to walk again and regain her independence. She later found a job in Phnom Penh and could earn an income to support herself and her two children.
Today, Ms. Norn and her family have a better quality of life and renewed hope for the future. Her story shows how timely medical support and community care can help a vulnerable person regain mobility, dignity, and independence.
HEALTH
A. Community Workshops
CAO organizes 36 community workshops each year to promote healthier families and communities. The workshops cover topics such as dental care, personal hygiene, gender equality, and the prevention of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
At schools, CAO also organizes group tooth-brushing activities once or twice a week to help children develop good oral hygiene habits from an early age. CAO has also supported nearly 1,284 poor households to install clean and hygienic latrines. Today, more than 95% of households in the target communities have access to a proper latrine, contributing to healthier and safer living conditions.
B. Eyesight Project
Good eyesight is essential for children to learn and participate fully in school, but many children in rural areas have untreated vision problems. CAO works with schools and health professionals to screen children’s eyesight, provide further examinations, and support those who need glasses.
From 2024 to 2025, CAO screened around 10,000 students in Romdoul District, with 249 children receiving glasses and 85 vulnerable students receiving educational support. The project was later expanded to Romeas Haek District, where around 10,800 students were screened, 283 children received glasses, and 80 vulnerable students received scholarships.
Through this project, CAO helps children see clearly, learn better, and stay in school, giving them greater opportunities for a brighter future.
HYGIENE AND PREVENTION
A. At School
The health education activities cover more than 200,000 children.
C. Latrines and Hygiene
When CAO first surveyed rural villages, very few households had clean and hygienic latrines. Today, more than 95% of households in the target communities have a proper latrine, greatly improving sanitation, hygiene, and health.
In Vietnam, after 19 years of work in Đức Linh, most households now have latrines and personal hygiene has improved considerably. The prevalence of intestinal worm infections has fallen dramatically, from around 90% to less than 10%.
CAO promotes simple and affordable latrines, starting from around €26, and provides financial support to the poorest families who cannot afford one. Through this work, CAO helps families live in a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified environment.
