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HISTORY
The Cambodian Maternal & Infant Healthcare Program
Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby
Concept Paper
I. Introduction
A Cambodian American Medical Doctor in Federal Way, Washington state,
Dr. Hay S. Meas, has learned with serious concern about the alarming Maternal
and Infants Mortality in Cambodia. He believes that the "Maternal and Infant
healthcare is the center stage of the healthcare in this country.
He offers his skill as an obstetrician & Gynecologist in finding an
effective and fundamental approach to this complex healthcare crisis.
As equally concerned, another Cambodian American, Mr. Van Sar, a program
manager of the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services
refugee and immigrant assistance program, volunteers to develop a concept paper
on "Cambodia Maternal & Infant Healthcare Program and Project".
Dr. Meas and Mr. Van Sar are Board members respectively of the 2 Cambodian
National Organizations in USA, the Cambodian American National Council (CANC)
and the Khmer Alliance Foundation (KAF).
To address this healthcare crisis, they met with a group of concerned citizens
from social services & healthcare providers, the first time on July 15,
2004 and the second time on July 30 with the enthusiastic support of the state
Representative Velma Veloria who is working in the field of women trafficking
and has a working relationship with the Ministry of Women affairs.
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While the group was in the planning process, news from Cambodia was circulated
regarding the US allocation of $31.5 million to fund programs to improve health
and education of which 96% was earmarked for fighting infectious diseases,
infant mortality and promoting maternal health and family planning methods.
The news was received with great relief. But they feel that more need to be
done and an initiative from the Cambodian Americans to build and run a medical
center for the poor and needy Cambodian mothers is worth launched.
II. The Problem
Cambodia's maternal mortality is among the highest in the region.
In comparison with women of neighboring countries, Cambodian women face a
relatively high risk of dying from pregnancy & childbirth-related causes of
approximately 2000 deaths each year with estimated Maternal Mortality Rate of
437 per 100,000 live births and a life expectancy of 58 years-old.
Maternal mortality rate is one of the most important indicators of women's
health reflecting the access to, and the availability of health services, the
women's
education and belief, the lack of transport, the access to clean water
supply, the nutrition status, the preventive services, the low level attention
given to and the low value placed on women's health.
As also reported in the book "A Fair Share for Women", the infant mortality
rate of 95 per 1000 live births can reflects the close relationship between
"Healthy Mother, Healthy Baby".
Antenatal care, safe delivery and postpartum care are very important components
of health services to save mothers' lives.
The approach to solutions here is to set up of a center that assists Cambodian
mothers in receiving comprehensive services for the care of themselves and
their babies. There are government services but there are not sufficient in
number and most of the time Cambodian mothers have to turn to private clinics
they can't afford.
III. The Approach
The simple approach is to set up a Cambodian Mother Center (CMC) as a pilot
project.
The CMC is designed to provide comprehensive services starting from conception
to post post-partum services and beyond.
A. Pregnancy Examination & Counseling Services
CMC will provide a comprehensive prenatal care, laboratory blood screening, and
ultrasound to detect possible deficiencies or diseases i.e. anemia, HIV, etc.
Postpartum care and annual gynecologic screening are also provided.
Counseling for baby care will be provided in group-session through videotape,
or one on one for special care needing special attention.
B. Delivery Services
CMH will have facilities for deliveries - regular or difficult, requiring
surgery.
C. Post-Partum Services
These services are provided for the mother during the first 2 months after
delivery along with group counseling via videotapes for health maintenance and
infant care.
IV. Services- Delivery System
Services are provided free of charge to walk-in mothers or referral from other
health clinics for difficult cases.
V. Work Plan
There are different phases of the project that are laid down under this scheme:
Phase 1: To conduct a Feasibility Study
This is already done in Cambodia by the 2 professionals during their trip to
Cambodia last October and November respectively:
1. Mr. Van Sar looked at the administrative issues, and
2. Dr. Meas evaluated the technical & medical demand.
Phase 2: To set up a Project Advisory Committee
to support this project in both administratively and technically and to develop
a budget.
Phase 3: To develop a full fledge proposal to apply for
start-up fund and to develop a capital fund raising campaign.
Phase 4: To set up the Cambodian Mother Center through a
rented facility to start providing services to Cambodian mothers in the suburb
of
Phnom Penh.
Phases 5: To initiate the building of CMC own facility in the
suburb of Phnom Penh.
VI. The cost
The cost is breaking by different activities. The total project cost will be
presented in the proposal. The cost of the feasibility study is supported by
local Cambodian American communities.
VII. Contacts
Hay S. Meas, MD, FICS
Mrs. Sieu Meas, Coordinator
(253) 474 5715 - Office
Email: hsmeas@yahoo.com
Van Sar
Email: van_sar@msn.com
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