Before FH Intervention: A Life of Hardship and Health Challenges

Tep Chey, a village in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, was once marked by insecurity, violence, and poor hygiene. With 962 inhabitants living primarily as farmers, the village faced numerous struggles. Mrs. Chea Loun’s story is emblematic of the community’s hardships. She recalls, “After marrying in 2011 and losing my father, our family struggled. We lacked basic health knowledge, drinking unsafe water, and using traditional medicines. We practiced open defecation due to financial constraints leading to frequent illnesses like diarrhea and unknown fever in my children.”

The lack of latrines (only 10% of households had one) and proper sanitation led to repeated health crises. Mrs. Loun shared, “The constant sickness of my children, due to our poor living conditions and lack of hygiene, emotionally drained me. I felt helpless, and our financial situation worsened due to medical expenses and low crop yields.”

During FH Intervention: A Journey of Learning and Improvement

In 2015, Mrs. Loun’s life began to change with her involvement in FH programs. She learned about essential practices in primary health care and basic water, sanitation, and hygiene. “FH’s training transformed my approach to health and sanitation. We built a latrine, created a tippy tap for washing hands, and started seeking proper medical care. My children’s health improved dramatically, with illnesses dropping from several times a month to hardly any,” Mrs. Loun explained.

Her participation in activities like cooking demonstrations, village clean-ups, and health awareness programs not only enhanced her family’s well-being but also increased her confidence. She became an active voice in her community, sharing her knowledge and experiences.

Community Transformation: From Open Defecation to Improved Hygiene

The impact of FH’s intervention on Tep Chey village has been profound. Latrine usage rose from 10% to 65%. Health awareness increased, with more families seeking medical care and practicing better hygiene. The community’s overall health improved, with fewer incidents of waterborne diseases and better maternal and child health care.

Mrs. Loun observed, “Our village has embraced change. The shift from open defecation to latrine use, the understanding of health care, and the improvement in hygiene have uplifted our community. We’ve seen a rise in crop yields and income, and more children are attending school regularly.”

Looking Forward: Aspirations for a Brighter Future

Looking to the future, Mrs. Loun remains optimistic. “I dream of a village where every family practices good hygiene, accesses quality health care, and children pursue higher education. I am committed to sharing my knowledge and experiences to further improve our community’s health and well-being.”

Mrs. Loun concludes with a hopeful note, “My journey with FH has not only improved our family’s life but also empowered me to be an agent of change in my community. I am determined to ensure that every household in Tep Chey adopts these life-enhancing practices, working towards a future where health and education are priorities for all.”