July 14th, 2025, 5pm MDT
A quiet revolution in healthcare and education is underway in rural clinics, corridors and classrooms of hospitals in eastern Cambodia. It is led not by profit or politics, but by a commitment to healing and hope, and by hope rooted in faith.
This vast initiative known as Cambodia’s Health Improvement Effort (Chie), by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, transforms healthcare, strengthens emergency response systems and renovates schools to serve thousands of people in need.
On June 7, a celebration took place in the Damba district, where leaders of the Cambodian government and church representatives gathered to commemorate a series of humanitarian projects.
A new birthplace of hope
The once-inclusive maternity ward of Seda Senchhey Health Center, located in the heart of Tboung Khmum, is a symbol of today’s life and safety. Thanks to funding from the church, the ward has ended and equipped with modern ob-gyn equipment, the church’s Cambodian newsroom reported.
Serving more than 10,000 residents in 13 villages, the centre welcomes 8-10 babies into the world each month under safe and clean conditions.
Sister Marvel Earnshaw, a senior humanitarian missionary who oversees the project, said, “It was all worth it when we saw people’s faces and tears of gratitude. We’re taking photos of our first baby born in a new maternity ward. It’s a really lovely facility.”
This gift is especially meaningful in states where access to medical professionals is rare. Elder Mark Earnshaw pointed out that there are only one professional ophthalmologists throughout the state to serve only one person. This is nearly 1 million people.
To support the doctors’ work, the church has donated cutting-edge ophthalmological equipment to encourage a pleasant response. “He hasn’t stopped smiling since,” Elder Earnshaw said.
Hospital with a new life
Two referral hospitals, Kroch Chhmar and Dambae, also received donations of important medical devices, including x-ray devices, patient monitors, ultrasound systems, and oxygen units.
Before the donation, these hospitals lacked essential tools to serve a mass population of approximately 200,000 people.
His Excellency Chai Bolin, Minister of Cambodian Cults and Religion, attended the ceremony on June 7th and expressed optimism that these efforts “contribute to improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare for local residents.” In this context, cults can be defined as “a system of religious beliefs and rituals.”
Elder Benjamin Matthew, 70 years old President, Church President of the Asian Region, testified about the spiritual foundations of these efforts.
Teaching Healers: Emergency Medical Training
Chie’s impact extends beyond equipment and infrastructure. In response to the needs of the nation, the Church has launched a major emergency medical training initiative in collaboration with the Cambodia Ministry of Health.
The training is based on the curriculum of the World Health Organization, the International Red Cross and the International Federation of Emergency Medicine, but it equips doctors and nurses with the skills necessary to save lives caused by injuries and acute illnesses.
In March and May 2025, 47 frontline health workers were trained in Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh, with 16 accredited as facilitators, the church’s Cambodian newsroom reported.
Sister Arnshaw said, “The Savior is the Master Healer and sets an example of love for everyone he meets. We must follow his lead and bless the lives of many in Cambodia.”
Education and infrastructure for a rising generation
Chi also arrived at six primary schools in the Damba district where students are studying in renovated classrooms built to withstand the rainy season in Cambodia, the church’s Cambodian newsroom reported.
The principal reported a safer building, new desks, improved ventilation and sanitation facilities.
“Our old school was ready to fall. … Now our kids want to come and learn. The kids are so proud,” said Chinoen Talon, the school’s principal.
Bolin praises the Church’s contribution to both education and health, and notes that the project contributes to building “quality intellectual capital, excellence, ethics and professional competence.”
Looking forward to: Cambodia’s health improvement initiatives
Originally launched in 2018, Chie continues to grow and builds on early projects such as heartfelt training in Batambang, renovation of 32 hospital buildings in Kampong Cham, and construction of Techo Sen Koh Thom Hospital.
Elder Thai expressed his gratitude to church members around the world for donating to help.
“We have been commanded to love God and love our fellow humans,” he said. “The donations of buildings and medical equipment represent the love and sacrifice of members around the world.”
