Rising Food Costs
Cambodia’s rate of food inflation hit 24% last month - the highest in almost a decade and one of the highest in the region. A kilogram of rice that cost approximately 1,200 Riel (30 cents) in 2007, now costs more than 3,000 Riel (75 cents). A kilogram of fish has increased from about 6,000 Riel to about 12,000 Riel. The simple meals at street stands, a staple for many of our young staff who move to Siem Reap to work at the hospital, cost 2,000 Riel in 2007, but now costs almost 4,000 Riel.

Hardest hit by the soaring food prices are Cambodia’s poor. On average more than 70% of expenditures of a Cambodian household is already spent on food. The recent rapid increase of food prices hits these households the hardest as they have little room in their budget to expand the food allocation in their expenditures. Malnutrition, especially in rural Cambodia, is already widespread. It is estimated that more than one-third of Cambodian children under the age of five are moderately or severely underweight. A 2006 survey, well before the recent increase in food prices, found that 22 percent of Cambodians in rural areas could not meet their own basic food needs. Continuing food costs will prove devastating for the country.

For almost two years, AHC has been partnering with Abbott (USA) to provide food to poor families while their children are being treated in the hospital - more than 300 families in April. In addition to providing food, our nutrition program also includes individual and group teaching, a demonstration garden, and demonstration cooking classes twice a day.

Additionally, if you are interested in giving to this specific cause please visit http://www.fwab.org/help_donate.php to donate food and rice to families at AHC.

For more information you can read a recent article from the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/30/world/asia/30cambodia.html?_r=1&ex=1210219200&oref=slogin

Training of Government Staff
In cooperation with CB-HEP, Capacity Building and Health Education Program, continued hands-on training is being provided for nurses from neighboring government Health Centers. In April, four nurses working for Popel and Chan Sao Health Centers (approximately 60km from AHC) attended a training course at the hospital. Training included both classroom theory as well as hands on clinical practice.

An important component of most training programs is follow-up visits to the participant’s workplace. In April, several AHC staff members conducted two-day post-training follow-up visits to Kralanh, Anlong Veng and Samrong Referral Hospitals. In December 2007 and January 2008, several government doctors and nurses from those Referral Hospitals spent time training at AHC. The two-day follow-up visits allowed AHC staff to review and assess these government hospitals and staff to see what improvements have been made since training. The second day focuses on clinical teaching and coaching.

Khmer New Year
Khmer New Year (“Choul Chnam Khmer”) is a three-day celebration held every year in the middle of the month of April that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. It is a time for many people to visit their hometowns and villages to pay respects to their ancestors and to visit with their parents or grandparents.

The first day is called “Maha Sahgkrant”, and a Buddhist temple bell or drum is used to lead everyone into the New Year. As the bell sounds, it is believed that the New Angel arrives. During the day, people will have a special family meal, play traditional New Year games, and take food to the Buddhist monks and pray with them. The second day of the Khmer New Year, called “Vana Bat.” On this day there are more Buddhist prayers, but the main focus is on showing respect and offering gifts to the elders. Parents, grandparents, and other important members of a family, and also teachers, are all shown a special respect to recognize their place and role in Cambodian society and family life. Day three is called “Loeung Sack.” It is a day when statues of the Buddha are cleansed with perfumed water, a gesture considered a kind deed that will bring good luck, long life, and happiness. The cleaning also symbolizes a hope for enough rainfall for the rice harvest in the coming year.

London Marathon
On April 13, more than 34,000 people finished the 2008 London Marathon. One of those runners was Jon Norris who raised several thousand dollars in donations to help support AHC. This is not the first time Jon has run to support the hospital – he also did the same in the 2007 London Marathon and the 2007 Singapore Vertical Challenge. Thanks, Jon!

Visitors to AHC
In April, AHC was honored to have Prince Charles-Philippe Marie Louis d'Orléans, Duke of Anjou and his new wife, Dona Diana Alvares Pereira de Melo, Duchess of Cadaval (Portugal) stop by and visit the hospital. The couple was touring Cambodia and visiting several projects aimed at helping the poor. Their delegation had heard good things about AHC and took time out of their busy schedule for a short visit.

New York 6th Annual Fundraising Gala
Our 6th Annual Fundraising Gala was held on Tuesday, April 22 at the New York Athletic Club and was a tremendous success. We have an incredible group of supporters who fill our auctions year after year with beautiful items donated in-kind. This year was no exception as we acquired items such as photographer Steve McCurry’s famous photograph, Afghan Girl, and authentic Cambodian statues and artwork. Steve McCurry's personal account of how he became a friend of AHC greatly increased participation in the auction. Photographs from numerous artists were donated along with hand crafted jewelry and event tickets. Thank you to everyone who donated and sponsored our Gala.
Mr. Drew De Carvalho was the Emcee for the evening and did a wonderful job at getting the crowd excited, especially during the live auction. Speeches by Board Member, Dr. Ron Ablow, and Founder, Kenro Izu, also inspired and encouraged donors throughout the evening. We had three guests from AHC attend the event: Dr. Bill Housworth, the new Executive Director of AHC; Dr. Pises Ngeth, a pediatric cardiac surgeon; and Ms. Soklin Seng, a Nurse and ICU Leader. They had an exciting evening meeting donors and witnessing firsthand the kindness of those who support their country. Additionally, the virtual tour of AHC, sponsored by Sterling Stamos, spelled out in more detail the different programs supported by Friends Without A Border.

We want to thank Veronique Lee and Chazz Levi for yet again decorating the New York Athletic Club beautifully with cranes that were made throughout the year by children at the hospital. This extra touch made the event so much more personal. We also want to thank all of the volunteers who helped us that night. You are truly Gala professionals by now and we could not do it without you.

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Gala and we hope to see you again in 2009!