Improve Health with Clean Water in Rural Cambodia

In Cambodia, a country of nearly 18 million, the most telling indicators for a lack of development is water access, food security, nutrition, and the health status of the people. One of the easiest ways to combat poverty and disease is to provide access to clean water sources. Clean water is life’s most basic need, yet one in eight people of the world’s population do not have access to it.

Diarrheal illness is a significant public health concern in Cambodia. According to a 2014 report from UNICEF Cambodia, diarrhea alone accounted for one fifth of the deaths of children under the age of five in Cambodia, and an estimated 10,000 deaths overall each year.

The communities Trailblazer helps are isolated and simply cannot develop beyond a level of subsistence without help. The result is residents suffer a high rate of disease, illiteracy and other devastating effects from the lack of water, sanitation and food. Without a better water source, villagers use water from deep holes dug into the ground, known as traditional pit wells, filled by rain and run-off from the surrounding fields containing animal and human feces.

Bio-sand water filters ensure water from any water source is potable, immediately reducing the impact of water borne diseases. They alleviate the human suffering of sickness, death, lost employment, and the hardship of losing loved ones as a result of drinking contaminated water. Women spend less time caring for the sick and as a result have more time to pursue economic sustainability through small business or gardening. Children have more time and energy for education. 

Children living in households with improved drinking water and better sanitation were associated with lower odds of diarrhea. Trailblazer’s health program addresses these issues and offers the appropriate technologies rural families need to have clean drinking water, access to water and latrines.

You too can be a ripple that makes a difference and brings poor rural families into healthier more sustainable livelihoods with your investment to help others. Don’t underestimate the impact you can make. Every dollar adds up and really does help. Thank you.

One of the most telling indicators for a lack of development is water access, food security, nutrition, and health status of the people which are challenges millions of Cambodians face every day.

Trailblazer works with the poorest of the poor communities that are isolated, are least likely to get assistance because they are largely overlooked by other development groups, and simply cannot develop beyond a level of subsistence without help. The result was residents suffered a high rate of disease, illiteracy and other devastating effects of lack of water, sanitation and food.

In an April 25, 2024 article in the Khmer Times it speaks to the issue of malnutrition in Cambodian children, which is a direct result of little to no access to water and sanitation. Addressing this issue is a large focus of Trailblazer’s work. Below are a few excerpts from that article.

Ouk Rabun, chairman of the Council for Agricultural and Rural Development, said yesterday that this year the rate of underweight and thin children under the age of five in Cambodia remains a challenge to resolve.

He said that according to the UNICEF report, wasting of children under five years old is still the main problem, affecting 10% of the populace in 2014, with the rate remaining high at 9.8% this year.

However, he added that the issue of adequate nutrition as well as for implementing the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in Cambodia – especially in the rural remote areas – remains a challenge which requires urgent intervention by the government.

“According to the Cambodia Demographic Health Survey 2021-2022, 22% of children under five are stunted, 10% are wasted, 16% are underweight, while 4% of children under five are overweight,” noted Kimthan.

Rotary International is dedicated to providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Trailblazer has had a close relationship with the Rotary International community, receiving important initial and ongoing support from Clubs and Districts across the United States, and around the globe. 

It is not surprising that many in the Rotary community have chosen to support Trailblazer because we also focus on WASH projects. Since its inception in 2004,  Trailblazer has received 25 grants from Rotary clubs in the United States, 22 grants from clubs outside of the USA, and two international grants. Totaling $288,203 in grants.

Members of the Rotary Denver Southeast International Service Committee recently visited Siem Reap and the water projects their club supported. Here is what Rotarians Rob and Steve had to say about their visit.

“After attending the 2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore May 25th - 29th on May 31st Rob [President of the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast] and Steve [known globally for his expertise in Water Sanitation and Hygiene [WASH] projects, as a former Peace Corp volunteer, and Executive Director for Water For People] embarked on a mission to Cambodia to observe the installation of Trailblazer’s bio-sand water filters near the village of Svay Chek. Thanks to Chris Coats, we were connected with Ratanak who provided transportation, arranged a meeting with the local village chief and a tour of homes actively sharing the bio-sand water filter, complete with the Rotary Wheel logo with Denver Southeast name stenciled on the water filters. Rotary is looking forward in a continued relationship with Trailblazer and the wonderful people of Cambodia.”

We want to thank all our supporters who have helped Trailblazer address this critical health issue by helping  provide access to water, clean water and sanitiation. The impact these donors have made is significant. Every year thousands of rural people have received a healthier, better life because of their kind and generous investments.

For more information about Trailblazer you can visit our website: www.thetrailblazerfoundation.org