Germany funds health aid for displaced families

Displaced families, including mothers and young children, gather at a safety centre to receive essential aid packages. World Vision Cambodia

#National

Synopsis: A $129,000 humanitarian project provides food and medical assistance to 3,500 mothers and children at displacement camps in four provinces.

Germany is providing urgent health and nutrition support to displaced families in Cambodia’s safety centres, where pregnant women and young children face increasing risks.

Families staying in centres across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Preah Vihear provinces remain in a difficult position. Most have limited access to food and basic healthcare. Women and infants are the most at risk, especially during pregnancy and the early months of life.

To address these needs, the German Embassy has partnered with World Vision International to provide essential care. The project, valued at around $129,000, supports 2,500 children under five and 1,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women. The aid includes 200 newborn care kits distributed across the four provinces.

This support follows earlier assistance provided in September 2025. Although conditions have slightly improved, many families still depend on humanitarian aid for survival. Officials say continued support is essential to protect the health of mothers and their babies.

During a recent visit to Oddar Meanchey, World Vision National Director Janes Imanuel Ginting saw the struggles families face daily. He met a family of three generations who lost their home to violence near the border late last year.

“We hope this support helps mothers continue breastfeeding while getting the nutrients they need,” Ginting said. “We thank the German Embassy and our partners for supporting these families during such a tough time.”

Ginting said World Vision is working closely with local leaders and health officials. He added that while they are providing immediate help, the ultimate goal is for families to return home safely or find stable places to live.

The project is organised in collaboration with provincial health departments and local clinics to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. Pom Theara, a midwife at Tbeng Meanchey Health Centre, said medical care must not stop just because people are displaced.

“Pregnancy care must reach women wherever they are,” she said. “When we work together, we can ensure no mother is left behind.”

For those living in the centres, the aid provides more than just supplies; it offers hope. One first-time mother said the baby items and supplements are helping her stay healthy while she waits to go home.

-Khmer Times-
—————-