In Cambodia, three lives transformed by rehabilitation

Davit Rin, 6 years old: Every step counts!

Davit Rin lives in the Kampong Siem district of Kampong Cham province. When he was born, everything seemed fine, but at five months, Davit was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, news that turned his family's life upside-down. In the years that followed, his anxious parents made several trips to and from the hospital in an attempt to stabilize their son's condition.

“Davit began to walk when he started going to HI's rehabilitation center in Kampong Cham,” his father tells us with relief.

Today, Davit attends regular physical therapy sessions and uses special orthoses - or braces that help him walk more independently and comfortably. Every day, the little boy takes one more step towards independence, and every day, his family rejoices at his progress.

Thum Sarin, 60 years old: A prosthesis for a new life!

Thum Sarin's physical therapists had asked him to try to walk, but Thum pushed down on his good leg and his new prosthetic limb and leapt into the air – to great applause! At 60, this former volleyball player for the Cambodian national team commands respect. Thum Sarin is also a war survivor. Tragically, he stepped on a landmine, and his leg had to be amputated. Although his dreams of high-level sport were dashed, Thum has persevered. He has been receiving treatment from HI at the Kampong Cham center since 1997 and returns regularly to have his prosthesis adjusted or changed.

Thanks to his prosthesis, Thum Sarin has not only regained his mobility, but has also continued to lead an active life, playing sports, working, and staying involved in the community. A former Paralympic athlete, he is an inspiration to all those who live with a disability.

“I am grateful to all those who have enabled me to get back on my feet and continue to lead a full and happy life,” he says.

Chev Meng Nav, 7 years old: Technology serving rehabilitation

Chev Meng Nav has cerebral palsy. Like Davit, Chev received physical therapy at HI's rehabilitation center. Since November 2023, he has been wearing custom-made braces that allow him to walk more easily and with less pain. But Chev doesn’t need to return to the center for regular follow-up: he benefits from Opentelerehab, the tele-rehabilitation app service introduced by HI. This is a big relief for his mother, as they live more than an hour from the center and have to use a road that is being repaired and not very accessible. With clear advice and personalized monitoring via the app, she can provide him with the day-to-day support he needs from their home.

"Thanks to this app, I feel supported and confident. I've never felt alone on this journey," she explains.

The application has become an indispensable tool for this little boy and his family.