The talented and devoted nurses of AHC bring their care and expertise to the community at large through the Home Care Program. All chronically ill patients who require follow-up care at home are candidates; today over 200 visits a month are made. These patients suffer from illnesses including malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, post meningitis ailments and epilepsy. The Home Care project provides medical care directly to patients at home while also raising awareness about health issues and helping patients and their families manage the social and psychological problems they encounter. Thanks to two new grants from Canada Fund and USAID in collaboration with Care International, we plan to improve and expand Home Care.
In 2003, thanks to medication donated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) some Home Care patients began receiving Anti-retroviral treatment for HIV. Currently, 150 Home Care patients are receiving ARV. This treatment will allow these HIV positive children to live longer and with a higher quality of life. Home Care assistance is required in order to maintain the complicated medication schedule as well as observe patients for possible reactions to the medication.
In 2004 the Home Care Program received a much needed facility. The Home Care Building, a converted gazebo on hospital grounds, includes a patient examination area, office space, and most importantly a discreet counseling room for HIV/Aids testing and counseling. Unfortunately, as the HIV/Aids epidemic continues to attack Cambodia's children we anticipate a growing need for Home Care services.
Begun by our dedicated nursing staff and now run by our Cambodian nurses
on a volunteer basis our Orphanage Medical Assistance Program
provides primary health care and health education to orphaned children
and their caregivers. The nurses offer seven orphanages health education
sessions, first aid training for staff, first aid kits, vaccination programs,
dental checks and educational and toiletry supplies, helping over 350
orphans. They also provide the orphanages most in need with clothing and
supplemental food supplies.
© Karl Grobl Photography 2002
© Karl Grobl Photography 2003
© Karl Grobl Photography 2003
© Karl Grobl Photography 2003
© Karl Grobl Photography 2003