For many families living in Siem Reap Province health is severely compromised by poverty. Affected by poor water quality, diet and sanitation and having limited access to health care and education, many children are afflicted by preventable diseases such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections.
Friends realized that long-term improvements in child health could not be achieved through hospital-based work alone. The realization rendered the adoption of a community-based approach vital. In May 2001, Friends established the Capacity Building and Health Education Program (CBHEP). CBHEP is a vital part of the Friends mission and is under the direction of Friends Japan.
As the name implies, CBHEP, consists of two related
objectives:
1. To strengthen the capacity and improve the quality
of community health services (Health Center Work).
2. To improve household preventative and health promoting
practices (Village Based Work).
