ខ្មែរ
Oral health varies over the life course from early life to old age, is integral to general health, and supports individuals in participating in society and achieving their potential [World Health Organization].
In Cambodia, particularly in Community Development Programs (CDPs) of Good Neighbors Cambodia (GNC), people (especially children) are facing risk factors for oral diseases caused by consumption behavior (sugar, alcohol, and tobacco), a lack of oral health awareness, and less good oral health practice. At the same time, expenditure on dental healthcare, regular checkups, and proper treatment is unaffordable.
Good Neighbors Cambodia (GNC) works to make a good change in the health sector for the community, and oral health is our principle of the health sector that GNC is committed to supporting the community. GNC cares and works to support community smiles through implementing policy and action plans for oral health.
Our Intervention
Follow the Cambodia National Action Plan for Oral Health signed off by the Minister of Health in June 2023. Good Neighbors Cambodia actively reaches out to stakeholders at all levels using a “networking approach” as a way to generate implementation support and cooperated with Mission of Mobile (MoM) to conduct dental treatment for school children in six Community Development Programs (CDPs) annually to review about oral health status of community people, to provide treatment, diagnosis service, conduct oral health awareness program, and contribute oral health material to communities to prevent and to improve their oral health for at the end everyone can smile happily and healthily.
Major Achievement
In the first quarter of 2024, all CDPs of Good Neighbors Cambodia operate mobile dental clinics for community people and children in schools and villages to reduce and prevent the burden of oral diseases for individuals and to enhance awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene to the community.
During the season of oral health awareness and to celebrate World Oral Health Day, the Ou Chrov community (OC CDP) takes steps to support community people around the district. From 11th to 20th March, OC CDP continued operating the mobile dental clinic in five different communes to create a smiley and healthy community. In partnership with Mission of Mobile (MoM), we provide good oral health services to conduct Oral examinations, Tooth extraction, Endodontic treatment, Tooth restoration, dental sealant, surgical tooth and wisdom tooth, tooth scaling and polishing, medicine prescription, and education awareness on oral health care.
As a result, 650 people (372 female) received door-to-door health services and treatment for free. Children and community people enjoy oral health services, learn from awareness programs, and can continue developing their potential with self-confidence, well-being, and the ability to socialize and work without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment.
Case Story
Mrs. Pharn Sopha, married and 30 years old, lives in BoengKtum village, Souphi commune, Ouchrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. Her daughter is GNC’s sponsored child named Chorpon Sreyny (KHM-0119-001828). Mrs. Pharn Sopha said her child received treatment service of oral dental regularly and annually. Not only treatment service but also her daughter received toothbrushes, toothpaste, awareness on how to clean teeth, and medicine. Moreover, she stated that her daughter is more aware of
QUOTATION
“World Oral Health Day 2024 – A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Body”