A Vision of Healing
In eastern Cambodia, a wave of change is washing over rural clinics, hospital corridors, and classrooms. In partnership with the Cambodian government, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is spearheading the Cambodia Health Improvement Effort (CHIE) — an initiative that prioritizes healing, hope, and education over profit or politics. According to Church News, this ongoing mission has significantly enhanced medical care and emergency response systems.
New Births, New Beginnings
Tucked in the heart of Tboung Khmum province, Seda Senchhey Health Center emerges as a beacon of life and safety. With the Church’s funding, the once-incomplete maternity ward now hums with activity, bringing eight to ten newborns into a world of care and compassion every month. Sister Marvel Earnshaw fondly recounts the “thankful tears of joy” as communities embrace this modern medical miracle.
Empowering the Underserved
Equipped with cutting-edge ophthalmology tools, the province’s sole eye specialist can now serve nearly a million residents with renewed efficiency. Elder Mark Earnshaw notes the immense impact of these much-needed resources and how they bring a lasting smile to a dedicated doctor’s face.
Breathing New Life into Hospitals
Vital equipment donations have breathed new life into Kroch Chhmar and Dambae referral hospitals, serving a combined population of nearly 200,000. His excellency Chay Borin, Cambodia’s minister of cults and religion, praised these efforts, foreseeing a marked improvement in local healthcare quality.
Training for a Healthier Tomorrow
Beyond infrastructure, CHIE’s collaboration with Cambodia’s Ministry of Health is equally noteworthy. The Church’s training initiative equips local healthcare workers with lifesaving emergency medicine skills based on standards from renowned global health organizations. This endeavor, which has already certified 16 facilitators, bears witness to the Church’s commitment to actionable love and compassion.
Educating the Future
The Church’s impact extends seamlessly into education, with renovations in six primary schools across Dambae district. Gone are the days of decrepit buildings; now, children learn in safe, ventilated classrooms, surrounded by new desks and renovated hygiene facilities. As school principal Sinoeun Tharon observes, the transformation has rekindled a love for learning among young students.
Continuing the Journey
Since its inception in 2018, CHIE has persistently adapted and expanded, garnering recognition for past projects, such as heart-surgery training and hospital renovations. Elder Benjamin M.Z. Tai embodies this gratitude and solidarity with Church members worldwide, recognizing their love-fueled contributions that empower communities far beyond their borders.
