our programmes

Health

Improving access to essential healthcare services and health outcomes

the challenge

In rural Siem Reap, mortality rates for infants and children under the age of 5 remain at 2.1% above the national average (2014 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey). This is due to low immunisation rates, lack of access to professional prenatal care and assisted births. The province also has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in Cambodia.

Our Response

We work closely with local village health volunteers (known locally as VHSGs) and local public health officers to implement our Health Programme activities.

Our goals at a glance:

Reduce malnutrition in children under 5
Increase vaccinations rate for infants under 1
Improve basic community health and sanitation practices
Increase availability of medical support
Focus on maternal and new-born health education

Our Impact

50% reduction in child malnutrition since 2011

57% less cases of severe acute malnutrition in children under 5 years old

25% less cases of moderate malnutrition in children under 5 years old

56, 000 children have received weight monitoring since 2009

Village Health Volunteers

Village Health Volunteers (VHSGs)

Our VHSGs act as a vital bridge between the community and the health system. TGF equips them with resources to deliver basic health education, provide support to rural people who do not require specialist intervention, as well as refer those experiencing severe health issues to a local health centre.

VHSGs also conduct bi-annual Health Assessments and support our work across TGF’s various programmes and projects.

Maternal Health Education

TGF works to support the Ministry of Health’s goal to improve the availability and quality of skilled care for mothers and their newborns.

TGF provides funding to conduct various activities in their villages, including pre- and postnatal education to pregnant women and new mothers. Group counselling and guidance cover various aspects of pregnancy — including nutrition, exercise, and preparation for birth.

Our Village Health Volunteers (VHSGs) are also trained to regularly monitor newborns and refer them to a local health centre if necessary.

Malnutrition Screening

TGF works with the Ministry of Health’s National Nutrition Programme (NNP) to implement Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) — a proven approach to manage Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) in children under 5.

TGF facilitates training to VHSGs, health system staffs, and local authorities in the implementation of CMAM, and the provision of resources. This includes malnutrition screening for all children under 5 and supporting home-based management of malnutrition children with SAM.

Rehabilitation & Nutrition Education

Combating Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) takes a community-based approach. VHSGs and Health Centre staff conduct home visits, and are trained to administer malnourished children with a Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) — a revolutionary treatment that promises quick recovery. Parents are also advised on child nutrition and how to cook nutritious food at a low cost.

VHSGs and Health Centre staff strive to conduct regular health monitoring until the child’s weight improves. In the event health complications develop or no significant weight gain is achieved, they are referred for inpatient treatment at a local hospital.

Immunisation & Supplementation

TGF supports the Ministry of Health’s delivery of the Expanded Programme of Immunisation (or EPI), a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiated programme. Funds are provided to our Health Centre to conduct monthly outreach for children vaccination. The EPI reach and the number of children fully immunised are monitored by TGF staff and reported to the Ministry of Health. 

Community Hygiene & Sanitation

TGF’s goal is ensuring VHSGs are well-equipped to organise four workshops per village annually to highlight the importance of good sanitation and hygiene practices.

With TGF’s support, they also assist Community Assistants (CAs) in WATSAN surveys to monitor changes in community behaviour and practices, as well as track access to improved sanitation facilities and hygienic water supplies.