Schools Deworming Program | PHDKC Program

Intestinal worm-free children have a better nutritional status, grow faster and learn better. And treating children of any age is one of the simplest, most cost effective interventions for drastically improving a child’s life in developing rural communities.

WAH launched its first-ever deworming project in 2019, in partnership with The Good Exchange and the Provincial Health Department (PHD), Kampong Chhnang, in response to the large number of young children in rural Cambodia who are prone to intestinal parasites infection such as hookworm. WHO believes that “hookworms infect an estimated 400million+ people worldwide.”

With support from The Good Exchange and other generous donors, we aim to continue annually with this important health program. Our target is to help over 30,000 children aged between 5 to 12 years from over 140 local village schools.

Hookworms penetrate through the skin (from walking barefoot on soil) or drinking contaminated water. “Those infected by many worms may experience abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss, and tiredness. The mental and physical development of children may be significantly affected.” (source: Wikipedia)

Hookworms can be treated with simple to administer medication, Mebendazole or Albendazole tablets, costing only $0.50. Children only needs 1 tablet every 6 months.

Currently, PHD does not have sufficient resources or budget to cover all the schools in the province. As the province covers a large geographical area, travelling to remote village schools requires additional logistical support.

With just $1, we can help provide treatment for a child, each year, by providing 2 Albendazole tablets (Almex400). With $100, you can help 100 children. Each donor will receive an official receipt from WAH Foundation. We aim to be back in the field as soon as possible to send photos, videos & the latest reports.