Accessible healthcare: Critical assistance during COVID-19
We know that the COVID-19 crisis affects disabled people and those living in poverty more profoundly. The requirement for sustained access to relevant information and healthcare services has never been so important.
We are committed to the safe facilitation and transportation of our beneficiaries to vital healthcare appointments while the Cambodian healthcare system is put under strain, ensuring no-one is left behind.
Many of Inclusive Cambodia's beneficiaries rely on the use of tailored assistive devices, prosthetic and orthotics. We maintain close relationships with multiple NGOs in Phnom Penh who can provide these services crucial to ensuring access and inclusion for children in many community environments.
Given the extensive loss of income faced by families already living in poverty as the result of COVID-19, the provision of basic medicines, access to healthcare, female hygiene products, and the stimulus and agency to the local economy is critical. Our project gave comprehensive assistance to 300 beneficiaries living in poverty in 2022, while achieving wider positive effects for the broader economy and community.
"The pandemic was a very hard time for our family, and for lots of families in Cambodia. But we were able to come through it. Inclusive Cambodia's project helped us make sure we stayed healthy and we could always call them for help or concerns. We are very thankful for their assistance in such a difficult time."
Savin
Accessible Therapy and Disability Care
Using the skills of therapists from a range of disciplines - occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and physiotherapy - Inclusive Cambodia delivers tailored therapy and rehabilitation to disabled children both within their homes and in the clinical environment. Our approach is holistic, and works in conjunction with our education and sporting activities, ensuring well-rounded personal development and confidence on all fronts.
Our therapists take a ‘whole person’ approach to health and wellbeing, which includes the patient’s general lifestyle. At the core is the patient’s involvement in their own care, through education, awareness, empowerment and participation in their treatment.
“I am very pleased with Vath's progress. He continues to get better in all activities. I am particularly pleased to him have more eye contact with me and others, and how he shows an interest in his therapy and the world.”
Thida, Vath’s Mother
Daycare Services
Deemed an ‘urban poor’ area by People In Need (PIN), issues surrounding poverty and disability are keenly felt by the people who live on Koh Dach Island. Inclusive Cambodia has emphasised and worked hard to build the capacity and societal participation of disabled children and their families in these communities. However, we recognise that this is not always possible due to staffing limitations in local schools, and/or inadequate teacher training necessary to meet the needs of children with more profound disabilities.
In order to provide education and rehabilitation to children who cannot attend mainstream schooling, while ensuring they remain part of their community, Inclusive Cambodia has opened a Community Daycare and Rehabilitation Centre. The first of its kind on Koh Dach Island, our centre is a safe space for children to receive an education tailored to their needs and abilities, coupled with therapy sessions administered by our on-site therapists. While children attend the centre during the day, their primary carers are given the opportunity to participate in paid work that may contribute to the family income, or take the time for well-earned respite.
“I’m happy to see Ka is able to speak and write more since she came to her therapy sessions. She seems more curious about other things and even asks her dad to speak with her and help her make sentences. Ka enjoys herself so much when she comes to the daycare centre and I plan to bring her as often as I can.”
Ka’s Mother
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Cambodia is a country where the population is at a high risk of poor mental and physical health. This risk is compounded for vulnerable people living in poverty. Women and disabled people are far more likely to face discrimination in their communities, as well as facing considerable barriers to essential services like education and healthcare. For this reason, the promotion of healthy behaviours, mental health awareness, and the benefits of inclusion for disabled, impoverished and disadvantaged people is crucial.
Cambodia’s lack of services is tied to insufficient and unstable financing, a shortage of trained professionals, in particular in rural areas, and a lack of policies and action plans.
Inclusive Cambodia's new 2023 project seeks to start bridging this service gap. Under the supervision and mediation of our new highly trained staff, we will offer regular mental health support groups and counselling to families facing issues of poverty and disability.
Research and Awareness
Mental health is very rarely considered or researched in the development context in Cambodia. Inclusive Cambodia seeks to understand the issue of mental health as it pertains to poverty, disability and inclusion in Phnom Penh.
Regular data collection every 6 months and subsequent analyses at the hands of our highly qualified psychology researchers allows us to track changes in mental health over time and how this change is relevant to engagement with Inclusive Cambodia’s services.