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Good health and nutrition are critical for mothers and their babies and cannot be achieved through the efforts of the health sector alone. In Cambodia the Ministry of Health and National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development, along with provincial, district, and local governments, have been collaborating on an initiative to improve the quality of essential care for women and infants, while also encouraging more pregnant women to visit their local health centers so they can access these services. By focusing on the first 1,000 days of life¡ªfrom pregnancy to a child¡¯s second birthday¡ªthe country is looking to establish a solid foundation for its children¡¯s growth, cognitive development, and future potential.

This is where Vorn Dory Saray comes in. She is one of a group of community health workers, locally known as ¡°VHSGs¡± (Village Health Support Group), contracted by her commune and benefitting from new training and incentives to serve as a vital link between the village health centers and the local community. She plays a central role in an effort of local governments to invest in the health and wellbeing of their citizens.

¡°My job is to keep a list of pregnant women and 2-year-olds in each household. I can also advise on health care, for example on immunization or nutritious food,¡± says Ms Dory, who works in Putil village, Mondul Kiri province. ¡°With pregnant women, I tell them when to go for prenatal checks and to be sure to take enough iron pills. If I see a child is thin or pale, I would tell the parents to take them to the health center.¡±

As part of her training, Ms Dory learned to encourage parents to take their children for growth monitoring and promotion and malnutrition screening, engage in social and behavior change communication to influence the adoption of better health and nutritional practices, support health centers in immunization outreach, and encourage poor families to seek enrollment in the social health insurance and cash transfer programs. She goes door-to-door to visit all of the households under her charge.

¡°When women have just given birth, I advise them to feed their babies only with breast milk for six months. Not even a drop of water should be given. After six months they can start feeding them other kinds of food such as porridge, water, cooking oil, carrots, and basil leaves.¡±

Village health workers are highly motivated to serve their community and take pride in what they do. ¡°I want to be known as a village health worker. I am proud that I can give helpful advice to our women and children on health awareness. They take my advice and go to get care at the health center. As a result, their health has improved,¡± says Ms Dory.

To date, through the , the Government has recruited and trained 3,200 community health workers who serve in nine priority provinces¡ªMondul Kiri, Ratanak Kiri, Kratie, Stung Treng, Preah Vihear, Kampong Chhnang, Koh Kong, Pursat, and Banteay Meanchey. The Government¡¯s project partners include the World Bank, Global Financing Facility, German KfW Development Bank, and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through the .