In pictures: Drops of hope in Cambodia

A young family, who lack access to water and often fall ill, pose for a photograph. Their baby boy recently died from diarrhoea linked to dirty water. — Image caption,
Roeung Mom lives with her husband and their two-year-old daughter. Their main source of water is a well behind their house, which dries up in dry season and gets contaminated. Their baby boy recently died from diarrhoea linked to dirty water.

A rice farmer in Pursat, Cambodia poses with his axe and crops after a drought-resistant irrigation system was installed in his village.

Dusan Stojancevic

Farmer Pouk Kann lives with his wife and children in Kohsvay village. Collecting water from a river 3km (two miles) away was difficult for Mr Kann, who lost a leg after stepping on a landmine. He said: “I struggled on as I had to provide for my family.” With support from WaterAid, Mr Kann’s family now has rainwater harvesting jars and a water filter, providing clean water all year round.

A business woman proudly displays her cucumbers which she now has time to grow following the introduction of clean water in her village in Pursat, Cambodia

Dusan Stojancevic

Businesswoman Keo Vannary proudly displays her home-grown cucumbers. Her children would often have to skip school to help collect water. And during the dry season they had to buy expensive water, meaning her eldest child had to drop out. Now they have a reliable clean water source, Ms Vannary has been able earn a second income by growing cucumbers. With more money, the family can keep all the other children in school.

A school boy smiles for a photograph during class at the Ta Ngi Primary School, in Pursat, Cambodia.

Dusan Stojancevic

Ros, 12, smiles during class at the Ta Ngi Primary School in Pursat. Attendance rates at the school have increased after the introduction of clean water and hygiene training. Ros said: “I've learned how important it is to wash your hands with water and soap. You must use clean water and must use soap to kill the bacteria to stay healthy. I also taught my family about hand-washing.”

The Head of Midwifery and Hygiene at Sampov Loun Hospital in Battambang, Cambodia

Dusan Stojancevic

Gnip Mech is the head of midwifery and hygiene at a hospital in Battambang. For 20 years, he has had to face the challenge of treating patients without a reliable source of clean, safe water. Last year, WaterAid helped install a generator and water filter system at the hospital. “Before, the water supply at the hospital was dirty and it had a huge impact on our hygiene,” he said. “When we got more access to clean water, I began to feel proud.”

A cleaner poses with her new mop after recently gaining access to clean water at the hospital in which she works in Battambang, Cambodia

Dusan Stojancevic

Hospital cleaner Sor Socheat stands with her new mop. “When there wasn’t enough water, it was so difficult for me to perform my job,” she said. “There was not enough water to clean the wards and the delivery room as well as the equipment.” Ms Socheat is proud of the impact she has on helping speed up patients’ recovery. "I also got a new mop with a bucket to drain excess water," she said. "I've wanted this type of mop for a long time and now I have it, I'm so happy.”

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