Therapy Services for 80 Cambodian Families

Disruptive Virus

Well, as you know, Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc throughout the world. We hope that this update finds you and your family safe and well, and we express our sincere sympathies to those for whom that is not the case. Here in Cambodia the transmission rate has remained remarkably low and we are extremely thankful for that. However, as we mentioned in our last report, the effects of the virus on the global situation has still had a significant negative impact on Cambodia. The tourism and garment production industries are two major industries here in Cambodia and both have been dramatically impaired by the current situation. Many families have lost their sources of income and face significant need. Increased family vulnerability means increased vulnerability of children. Children In Families continues to be committed to strengthening families to care for children in the midst of this crucial time.

The Covid-19 situation reminds us that there are so many things that we take for granted…like being able to access vital medication for a child with cystic fibrosis. There is only one pharmacy in Phnom Penh which has carried this medication and when we went to purchase more we were told that they did not have it and did not know when they would be able to get it in again. The reason – Covid-19. We have been able to source this medication through a couple of other avenues in the past, but none of those avenues were available to us within the timeframe in which we needed the medication. Fortunately, a doctor we knew was returning to Cambodia from the U.S. We were able to have her bring enough to supply this child’s needs until we are able to secure another source. Getting the medicine from the U.S. was much more expensive than getting it here. This medicine is vital to this child’s well-being, however, so we were grateful that, because of generous donors through GlobalGiving we were able to meet this unexpected expense.

Other Challenges

In addition to the challenges of dealing with Covid-19, it is currently rainy season in Cambodia, and a very rainy one at that! Our dedicated staff continue to make visits whenever possible. Accessibility is always an issue for people with disabilities in Cambodia, but even more so when the only way in or out of their home is a narrow flooded path. Because the ABLE Project staff provide in-home therapy, children receive the services they need without having to travel. In many parts of Cambodia this type of service is not available and families have to travel long distances to city-based centers if they need therapy. The end result is that many do not receive the care that they need. And, for those children who do need to travel, such as our children who have HIV and need to visit the health centers to receive checkups and medication, the ABLE Project assists families with travel costs and, when necessary, medical accompaniment.

With support from ABLE staff a child who is deaf has been receiving training in sign language online through Zoom. Your support for the ABLE Project ensures that children have access to services which help them to remain healthy and to develop to achieve their full potential.

So, thank you again for your support of the work of the ABLE Project. Your giving allows essential services to continue for these vulnerable children and their families.