The Health Action Coordinating Committee (HACC), with support from Plan International Cambodia, is pioneering an initiative to enhance Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education and services through Community-Led Monitoring (CLM). This project, conducted under the WE Protection Project (WEPP), aims to collect vital data from 12 schools and out-of-school youth across four districts in Siem Reap province—Banteay Srey, Angkor Thom, Angkor Chum, and Srey Snam.
Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) is an approach that empowers communities to take an active role in overseeing and evaluating services and programs that affect them. This participatory method is particularly useful in sectors such as health, education, and social services.
CLM is an initiative in which community members actively participate in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data regarding services and programs in their community. This can include health services, education programs, and any other services that impact their lives. The purpose of CLM aims to ensure accountability and transparency in service delivery, to enhance the quality of services based on community feedback and to empower communities to advocate for their rights and needs.
Currently, HACC is also implementing CLM for HIV/AIDS related services and programs in 12 provinces in Cambodia and the result of the CLM has been well recognized by stakeholders, highlighting the importance and impact of this approach.
In line with the principles of CLM, HACC is focused on improving access to and knowledge of SRHR among adolescents. The data collected will provide insights into various SRHR-related topics, including:
1. Hygiene and Primary Health Care
2. Early Marriage and Intercourse
3. HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
4. Drug and Alcohol Use
5. Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
6. Stigma and Discrimination Among LGBTQI
7. Violence on Physical and Mental Health
On September 26, 2024, HACC conducted an orientation workshop at Sokhalay Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap province. This workshop brought together 12 youth representatives from the four target districts. During the workshop, participants were introduced to the seven key SRHR topics and trained on the use of data collection tools. The youth representatives had the opportunity to test these tools to ensure they are well-prepared to facilitate data collection within their communities.
The data collection and feedback system will be piloted in November 2024 in 12 schools across Siem Reap. This initiative is crucial for understanding the current state of SRHR knowledge and services. By collecting feedback from youth and students, HACC aims to generate actionable data to share with relevant stakeholders. The goal is to improve health services and SRHR education, ensuring that the needs and rights of adolescents are met.
