We’re driving north-east out of Cambodia’s tourist capital of Siem Reap, heading into some of the country’s most remote and inaccessible regions. After eight hours carving through muddy unpaved roads, we arrive in pristine and lush Ratanakiri Province, home to the stunning Lake Yeak Laom, arguably South-East Asia’s most picturesque swimming spot.
For all its natural splendour, however, Ratanakiri is struggling. This is the poorest province of a country still rebuilding not even 50 years on from the horrors of a genocide. Education is limited. Job opportunities are few. But what’s particularly shocking is Ratanakiri has one of the most concentrated rates of child marriage in the world. Almost half of all girls here get married under the age of 18.
Today, we arrive in Phnom Kok Commune to attend the semi-open, dirt-floored maternal health pop-up. Locals gather here once a month to catch up socially, while also getting maternal health services, childcare and check-ups. Entire families arrive on motorcycles and scooters and snack on the free Cambodian doughnuts, filled with sweet yellow mung bean and deep fried in sticky rice flour – a deliciously crispy cousin of mochi.
Never underestimate the incentive of food in public-health education outreach.
