HEALTH AND NUTRITION
At the heart of our mission is a strong conviction: offering children better health also gives them the energy and tools they need to succeed at school and in their daily lives.
At Centre EKL, we welcome children from disadvantaged backgrounds where access to healthcare is often non-existent. Families lack the financial means to provide basic health care and purchase hygiene products. What's more, many parents have not themselves benefited from parental example and education in health and hygiene, making it difficult for them to grasp its importance and pass it on. Before joining our programs, most children only had access to one meal a day.Many children therefore arrive with undiagnosed or neglected health problems, from malnutrition to chronic infections and dental disorders. These conditions compromise school performance.
Find out more about our actions and challenges to ensure the safety and well-being of children at EKL, and how your support can make all the difference.
A team of experts and seasoned professionals
It is essential to make it clear that EKL teams are not authorized to perform technical medical procedures. They concentrate on basic care, such as the management of minor injuries, in strict compliance with established protocols.
On an ongoing basis, we collaborate with a team of independent health professionals, including an orthopedic doctor, a dermatologist, a dental surgeon and a nurse. We also refer children and their families to the Sihanoukville government hospital or to private clinics as required. On a more ad hoc basis, local and international partnerships enable us to offer quality care at lower cost.
At the same time, we have set up ongoing, certified first-aid training courses run by the Cambodian Red Cross. These courses equip our teams with the skills needed to manage medical emergencies. Thanks to these practical and theoretical sessions, our employees are better prepared to deal with a variety of critical situations, be they injuries, ailments or other emergencies.
We are available 24 hours a day to respond to medical emergencies. Our priority is to accompany a child or family, sometimes helpless and distressed when faced with a crisis situation. We intervene to assess the situation, perform the first aid procedures for which we are qualified, and direct them as quickly as possible to the most appropriate professional or structure.
Prevention through health education
Another cornerstone of our health department is prevention. We regularly organize workshops and information sessions. These cover crucial topics such as personal hygiene, managing common illnesses, first aid...
The aim is to raise awareness of good health practices among children, families and our team, and to give them the tools they need to look after their own health at home. These initiatives help to reduce the spread of disease and strengthen the knowledge of parents, who thus become active players in their children's well-being. These are basics that many of them have never had the opportunity to learn.
Medical and dental check-ups
Every year, each child receives an average of two complete medical check-ups. On a day-to-day basis, each child is monitored on a regular and personalized basis, because even small problems can turn into emergencies if neglected. Our team provides first aid for simple injuries, pain and temporary discomfort.
In the case of chronic pathologies or medical histories requiring constant monitoring, monthly consultations are scheduled with professionals to check on the evolution of their state of health, adjust treatments and detect any new complications. This medical follow-up ensures that each child receives comprehensive, ongoing care, giving them a better chance of a healthy future.
In terms of oral health, we have set up regular dental consultations. Many children arrive at EKL with untreated dental problems, including cavities and infections. We visit our dentist with the children to carry out check-ups and treatments, and to raise awareness of the importance of looking after their teeth. We know that dental pain can be debilitating, and that it can also interfere with their ability to eat and learn.
Nutrition and hygiene
Healthy, varied nutrition is essential for optimum health, so we make a point of offering children a balanced diet adapted to their needs. The meals served daily at Centre are designed to be rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and proteins. Meals are prepared using fresh produce purchased at local markets.We also ensure that every child receives vitamin supplements in case of deficiencies, especially those from backgrounds where malnutrition is a recurring problem. Access to drinking water is provided at all times, and regularly encouraged to ensure proper hydration. This not only strengthens their immune systems, but also improves their concentration and learning abilities.
Every day, children have access to showers at Centre. Each child receives a toothbrush (renewed 4 times a year), a cup and toothpaste. Washing hands and feet on arrival, and washing hands before meals, has become a daily habit for them, helping to prevent many illnesses. Tooth brushing, which is compulsory after every meal (three times a day), is supervised by team members and volunteers dedicated to hygiene.Basic necessities such as soap, shampoo and toothbrushes are regularly distributed to their families, to enable the children to continue good practices at home. Women and adolescent girls in the families receive sanitary towels.
Support for young mothers
As part of our health initiatives, we also provide invaluable support to young mothers, who often face major challenges in providing for their babies. We accompany these mothers in the essential care of their infants, whether it's learning basic gestures or providing moral support in the face of difficulties. Every month, we also distribute tins of powdered milk to ensure a complete diet adapted to the needs of the little ones. These actions, combined with advice on nutrition and infant hygiene, are designed to ensure a smoother start in life for babies. By helping these families, we reinforce the bond of protection around children from their earliest years.
together, let's continue to act to meet health challenges
The healthcare sector faces major challenges. The costs of care, drugs and medical equipment are constantly rising. With the growing number of children at Centre, our needs are also increasing. We currently welcome 60 children and provide support to each and every member of the families benefiting from our programs. Each of these lives is unique, with specific needs. Despite these obstacles, we make sure that everyone receives the care they need. However, our resources are limited, and we often have to make difficult choices.
TheEnfants de Klang Leu health center is a chain of solidarity where every link counts. Every donation we receive is transformed into concrete action for children and their families. A donation of 80 euros can finance a year's medical care for a child.
In 2024, thanks to your generosity, we were able to set up an infirmary at EKL dedicated to consultations and basic daily care.
But to continue the Health program and go even further, we need more and ongoing support. By supporting the Health program, you are making a direct contribution to building a better future for every child we support. You enable our actions to continue and grow. This chain of solidarity relies on the commitment of everyone, including you, our valued supporters.
