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Overview

Satellite photo of the Tonle Sap Lake

Much is studied and written about the unique aspects of the Tonle Sap Lake and its surrounding region: its exquisite beauty; the area's biodiversity and the unique hydrodynamics that lead to the Tonle Sap providing roughly a third of the protein--from fish--for more than half of Cambodia. Little, however, is said about the people who live upon the lake in "floating villages"
and along its shores.

They are an ethnically diverse population of Khmers, Cham, and Vietnamese who experience a life isolated from both the modern world AND the progress that is happening in much of Cambodia. Many communities are hours or even more than a full day away from any medical care or expertise.

Our aim has been to create a shipboard healthcare facility that will serve the people of Cambodia living on or near the Tonle Sap Lake. The ship's design allows her to cruise even in the shallow waters found during the dry season. The Lake Clinic (TLC), is staffed by Cambodian health care providers, as well as foreign volunteers when available, and a local crew. (click here to read more)


The primary focus of TLC is to provide these isolated villagers with competent and consistent health care comparable to what can be found in a well managed health center: early diagnosis of disease; treatment on an out-patient basis; referral to a hospital (and assistance in transportation to the hospital) when necessary; health education. Additionally, dental care will be provided on a quarterly basis throughout the year.
This has been accomplished through the construction of the TLC-1 (or the "Charming Duckling" as she is sometimes known. (click here for more about the TLC-1)

Our Charming Duckling allows a basic healthcare team of one doctor, a pediatric nurse, and a widwife to travel to these remote areas and remain there for 3 days each week. The TLC-1 sleeps five people comfortably and is equipped with a kitchen, a dining area, toilet and shower. They are assisted by the ship's pilot who also performs the duties of a registrar and the ship's cook. When appropriate ex-pat professionals also join the team; doctors, dentists and physical therapists have successfully completed missions with TLC.

A vast array of other health related issues (social, economic, environmental) can be addressed while on site. With the enormity of health related problems one encounters in this part of the world, we cannot hope to meet all needs for everyone, particularly in these early stages of this project. Though the ultimate goal of this project is to build a clinic ship that is capable of providing a variety of health care interventions on a full-time basis, much can still be accomplished with this modest approach.


Acute dental disease/infections are one of the primary causes of severe pain and morbidity in undeveloped regions. In fact dental caries, abscess, and the severe pain associated with them are seemingly universal among young Cambodians. Fortunately, with The Lake Clinic as a delivery platform, they are also one of the most readily treatable healthcare issues these people face.


For people with little, or no exposure to modern health-care, Dentistry is easily understood. The relief from pain and infection in generally immediate. As an entre to modern health care, Dentistry provides just such an opportunity.


By concentrating on treating and educating about these problems we will go a long way to eliminating their day to day pain and suffering, as well as creating a foundation for lessening its prevalence in the future.


Objectives:

To provide essential medical care, public health education and dental services to poor and disenfranchised / vulnerable groups living in the Tonle Sap Lake region of Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kampong Cham provinces.









The priority being:
  1. Children below the age of 16
  2. Women of childbearing years[1]
To provide basic education (Primary Public Health Care) related to healthy living:
  1. Nutrition
    a. Breastfeeding, complimentary feeding
    b. Floating gardens as promoted by other NGOs
  2. Clean water

  3. Household and village hygiene

  4. Immunizations

  5. Prenatal care

  6. Birth-spacing

  7. Critical thinking as related to family economics







To provide screening and early detection (Secondary Public Health Care) of common childhood illnesses with timely and appropriate referrals for such problems as:

  1. Cleft lip and palates

  2. Club foot

  3. Neuro-disabilities

  4. Cardiac disease

  5. Vision impairment

To provide a venue for cooperative and complimentary activities with other NGOs whenever possible.

  • Water quality studies.

  • Lake depth and sedimentation studies.

  • Community development and education.

    [1] Recent studies have shown a correlation between periodontal disease and premature and low birth weight

Link: http://www.ilec.or.jp/eg/lbmi/reports/25_Lake_Tonle_Sap_27February2006.pdf




DONATIONS: If you would like to help by donating money to TLC, you may do so by mailing a check to:


Human Translation, Inc
1241 Adams Street, Ste 1096
Saint Helena, California 94574


Please make your check payable to:
"TLC at Human Translation"*



*Donations made via Human Translation are tax deductible for citizens and residents of the United States.

posted by Tobias

at 4:32 PM Permalink