Providing healthcare to urban slum area residents
Empowering Youth in Cambodia (EYC) provides weekly medical clinics in their four schools, as well as dental care and health education. The program has been a tremendous success and the results from 2014 are substantial; 3,200 patient-doctor visits (medical checks are open to the community), 320 student-visits to the dentist, 130 women and 1 man provided access to family planning. Further, EYC staff and partners follow up with patients as needed to ensure their health needs are addressed, particularly with their students.
Student Srey, 17 years old, had significant acne problems due to an allergic reaction after receiving a prescription from an unqualified, low-cost doctor that her mother took her to.
Srey is a young leader in EYC who excels in her academics both in public school and English classes in EYC. After her family was evicted from their house three years ago she moved into an EYC school and volunteers with several programs including teaching traditional dance to children.
Another student, Srey, 15 years old, had a visibly disturbing issue of no front teeth. The staff of EYC recognized the issue and EYC’s social worker discussed treatment with her and her family.
She needed six new teeth and the family was able to pay for half of the cost.
The new teeth came in very nicely and she now smiles brightly and is confident to talk to people
She would like to say “thanks to EYC donors to help with the payment and for bringing me to fix my teeth. My life is much better now.” The combination of poor hygiene and diet (low nutrition levels + plenty of sugary foods) have created a dental crisis for many young people in urban poor areas of Cambodia.
A very appreciative beneficiary is Khon Sophat, a 28 year old former factory worker who is currently a mother of four. Her husband is a motor taxi driver and they rent a small rent house for $10 per month. Their children are ages 6, 4, 2 and 4 months. EYC’s social worker Koun Lyna was referred to her and after providing education to her on her birth control options, brought her to see the doctor at Maries Stopes clinic where she got an IUD. Lyna said “she is very happy to get an IUD. It’s really helpful to her and her family as she now has time to look after the family and the expenses of four young children also.” Lyna is an ongoing resource if needed.
