With support from the Australian Government through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS2) Program, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation services have been successfully delivered at the Battambang and Kampong Speu Physical Rehabilitation Centres (PRCs). In addition to improving access to quality rehabilitation services, the program has also contributed to strengthening coordination and referral systems between PRCs and healthcare facilities.
On 9 June 2026, the ACCESS 2 team and ICRC staff members, Battambang PRC personnel, as well as representatives from Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), joined a meeting to mark the conclusion of the Program’s financial contributions, through the ICRC, to the PRCs in Battambang and Kampong Speu.
Beyond the two PRCs, the funding supported vital outreach activities, including community follow-up, minor prothesis repairs, identification of new clients, and awareness-raising initiatives. Social inclusion activities were also supported, such as wheelchair basketball, as well as referrals to education, healthcare, and vocational training opportunities.
Mr Pich Saroeun, a representative of an OPD in Battambang, highlighted the centre’s critical role in supporting persons with disabilities during the meeting. “The PRC is like a lifeline for persons with disabilities. Without these services, they would face significant challenges in returning to their daily lives,” he said.
Ms Sophia Cason, Team Leader of ACCESS 2, acknowledged that while direct financial contributions to these PRCs are concluding, this does not mark the end of the commitment to rehabilitation and disability inclusion in Cambodia. ACCESS 2 will continue its work until 2028 to strengthen and expand rehabilitation within the health system, in alignment with national policies and reforms, particularly the Universal Health Coverage Roadmap.
She expressed sincere appreciation to the ICRC for its strong technical leadership and continued support to the PRCs, and extended thanks to the Persons with Disabilities Foundation, PRC staff, and OPDs for their dedication and commitment to serving persons with disabilities. She also commended the leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia in advancing rehabilitation and disability inclusion, reaffirming continued support for these priorities.
According to Mr Keo Phalla, Deputy PRC Manager at the ICRC, from January 2024 to May 2026, the centres in Kampong Speu and Battambang collectively supported 29,434 clients in accessing rehabilitation services.
Through the ACCESS 2 Program, the Australian Government is working closely with relevant ministries to improve the quality of services for persons with disabilities. This partnership reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to disability inclusion and equal opportunity for all Cambodians.
