Phnom Penh – In a meaningful ceremony, the China Assistive Devices and Technology Center (CADTC) generously donated assistive devices to individuals with disabilities in Cambodia. The event, held on the morning of November 24, 2023, at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, was presided over by H.E Chea Somethy, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and Chairman of the Disability Action Council.
Expressing gratitude, Minister Chea Somethy extended appreciation to CADTC for their contribution, emphasizing the positive impact these assistive devices would have on the lives of people with disabilities. He highlighted the significance of such assistance in enhancing the quality of life, fostering rehabilitation, and enabling persons with disabilities to engage fully in societal activities, enjoying equal rights.
Minister Chea Somethy acknowledged the growing challenges faced by the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and the Disability Action Council, attributing the increase in disabilities to factors such as traffic accidents, chronic diseases, old age, congenital disabilities, and remnants of unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.
H.E Em Chan Makara, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and Secretary General of the Disability Action Council, outlined plans to distribute the donated assistive devices to 11 rehabilitation centers, spinal cord injury centers, and various national and international NGOs working in the field.
Highlighting the existing limitations in local production capacity, H.E Em Chan Makara stressed the inadequacy of locally made equipment, citing issues such as outdated designs, excessive weight, and limited durability for long-term use. While Cambodia has factories for artificial limbs and wheelchair workshops, demand continues to outpace the local production capability.
HU Guoqiang, Director of the National Assistive Product Work Division at CADTC, expressed confidence in furthering collaboration between China and Cambodia in the field of physical assistance. He pledged continued efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote joint initiatives, aligning with the Belt and Road Initiative and broader disability-related endeavors.
The donation, valued at 700,000 yuan (US $100,000), included a diverse range of assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, standing assistive devices, magnifiers, and electronic aids, reflecting CADTC’s commitment to supporting the needs of individuals with disabilities in Cambodia.
