The Australian Government, through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services—Phase 2 (ACCESS 2), is committed to advancing inclusive services in Cambodia. ACCESS 2 collaborates with national and sub-national stakeholders, including Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), to enhance the quality and coordination of services for persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). A key example of this partnership is with Exceed Worldwide, a UK-based NGO that has been working in Cambodia for more than 30 years to support physical rehabilitation services and prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) education, providing rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities.
ACCESS 2 provides funding to Exceed Worldwide to support the strengthening of rehabilitation services within the Ministry of Health and to ensure persons with mobility disabilities can access to the prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) services they need.
A Game-Changer for Rehabilitation Services: Prosthetic and Orthotic Central Fabrication Unit (CFU)
Exceed has established hospital-based P&O Units, staffed with qualified clinical professionals, in the National Paediatric Hospital (NPH), Central Hospital (CH), Kratie Provincial Hospital, and the upcoming Preah Ang Doung Hospital. These units ensure that comprehensive services are offered for persons with mobility disabilities.
With support from ACCESS 2, Exceed Worldwide has also established a state-of-the-art Prosthetic and Orthotic Central Fabrication Unit (CFU) in Phnom Penh. The CFU supports hospital-based P&O clinics by enabling the efficient production of high-quality assistive devices. Working under the instructions of hospital-based P&O clinicians, the CFU manufactures assistive devices and carries out major repairs.
Each hospital-based P&O Unit is equipped with light tools for minor repairs and fitting adjustments. The units receive patients, perform measurements and casting, and then send the cast (mould) to the CFU. The CFU creates the assistive device and returns it to the hospital-based P&O Unit for further fitting. If required, devices can be sent back to the CFU for additional adjustments.
Since commencing operations in March 2024, the CFU has been serving clinics at the National Paediatric Hospital (NPH), Central Hospital (CH), Kratie Provincial Hospital, and the upcoming Preah Ang Doung P&O Unit. Equipped with modern machinery funded through ACCESS 2, the CFU has been meeting growing demand, including the production and provision of 408 assistive devices by December 2024.
Aligning with ACCESS 2 Goals and Achievements
The CFU is a vital component of ACCESS 2’s Rehabilitation Workstream, directly contributing to one of the programme’s key aims: improving the quality and accessibility of services for persons with disabilities.
Stories of Impact: A Call to Action
Mr. Tha Reth, CFU Manager, expresses his pride in contributing to the sector:
“Working to support persons with disabilities makes me feel proud, especially when hearing positive feedback from service users. I urge persons with disabilities not to give up—the right assistive devices can transform lives and create brighter futures.”
Personal testimonies like this highlight the transformative impact of ACCESS 2 initiatives, showcasing how innovative rehabilitation services bring hope and resilience to Cambodian communities.
For more information, visit our ACCESS 2 website.
