Despite COVID-19, Sreyoun continued her rehabilitation sessions

The HI team at the Kampong Cham center continued to support Sreyoun, who was born with a severe disability, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. HI encourages her to become more independent with daily rehabilitation exercises.

Sreyoun is 36 months old and lives with her parents in a village two kilometers away from the Physical Rehabilitation Center of Kampong Cham run by HI. She lives with congenital cerebral palsy. She was referred to the Physical Rehabilitation Center when she was 14 months old. Initially, Sreyoun received physiotherapy care three times a week and her mother practiced exercises with her every day at home.

Sreyoun's mother was determined to continue practicing the exercises

The overall context changed drastically in March 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first cases in Cambodia and the closure of the borders. To guarantee the safety of our staff and beneficiaries, we took the decision to temporarily close the center. Sreyoun and her mother had to stop visiting the center. Sreyoun's mother was determined to continue practicing the exercises taught by the physiotherapists with her daughter at home.

Remote rehabilitation

HI’s management team was closely monitoring the crisis as well as the recommendations of the government and by April had rapidly developed different ways of working in order to stay safe. This included setting up tele rehabilitation, which made it possible to monitor and coach beneficiaries of the Physical Rehabilitation Center, including Sreyoun, remotely. We were also able to share COVID-19 inclusive awareness messages with beneficiaries and staff to help them to protect themselves from the virus.

Rehabilitation sessions resume

 In June 2020, Sreyoun was able to go back the rehabilitation center. In order to respect the COVID-19 preventive measures, Mr. Khim Phirum, the physiotherapist, shows the exercises to her mother using a doll.

Sreyoun's mother says "My daughter is getting better and better. She can move her arms, hold objects, sit, and stand with support. I continue practicing physiotherapy exercises with my daughter at home. I really hope she will stand independently soon."

Sreyoun continues to make great progress

Today, the activity at the rehabilitation centre has almost returned to normal.  Despite the challenge presented by Covid-19, the number of consultations, fittings provided and rehabilitation sessions is likely to match  last years total of more than 2,500 – an achievement to be proud of! And little Sreyoun continues to make great progress!