Some of the beneficiaries of the World Vision Cambodia initiated project pose for a photo as the project ended. WORLD VISION CAMBODIA
World Vision Cambodia’s 18-year initiative centred on health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), has successfully concluded operations in the Tbeng Meanchey district of Preah Vihear province.
The project has brought tangible benefits to 25 villages in Tbeng Meanchey’s 4 communes. The effort yielded positive outcomes for 35,285 people, 14,011 of them children. An August 29 press release from the organisation outlined the project’s accomplishments.
A significant achievement of the campaign was the declaration of 12 out of the 25 localities as Open Defecation Free (ODF), marking a noteworthy step towards improved sanitation.
Janes Imanuel Ginting, country director for World Vision International (WVI) in Cambodia, expressed thanks for both the government’s and WVI’s support and collaboration. He noted that stakeholder commitment serves as the bedrock for reshaping the lives of countless youth and citizens.
“We celebrate transformative change at individual, familial, communal, and societal levels, a testament to robust partnerships and a shared child-centric vision. WVI takes pride in its role within this journey,” he stated.
Sok Ratha, director of the Peace Health Centre in Preah Vihear, highlighted the progress made, especially concerning children under five years old, who previously faced challenges like stunted growth and nutritional deficiency. He attributed the positive change to the joint effort between village health volunteers trained by WVI and local authorities.
“In partnership with WVI we have witnessed a consistent decrease in undernourished children,” he noted.
In Soeung, the commune chief in Tbeng Meanchey, echoed the vital role played by the cooperative efforts of local officials, residents, and WVI. She reaffirmed her commitment to the community’s growth, even as the programme concludes.
“Although WVI’s official presence transitions, I remain committed to continuing this mission, working tirelessly to contribute to our people’s advancement,” she said.
WVI initially commenced its mission in Tbeng Meanchey in 2003, and focused on mine clearance and agricultural development until 2005. Subsequently, the organisation redirected its efforts towards other crucial priorities, such as health, nutrition and WASH, prompted by the findings of the 2014 Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS), which underscored Preah Vihear’s alarming malnutrition rates.
