Surgery for Disabilities
Rose Charities began working in Phnom Penh Cambodia with landmine victims (sadly Cambodia remains the country with more land mines
than any other).
The international community responded to the need for artificial limbs and huge quantities of these arrived in Cambodia in 1998. What
was not realised by these aid agencies was that the surgery required for these victims before a limb could be fitted was simply not
available.
The Rose Charities supported clinic (known as 'First-Rose') has been able to help thousands of Cambodians with simple rehabilitative
surgery, allowing most to return to a more productive and happier life.
Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate is a condition which is highly prevelant in Cambodia. It is also another area where simple, relatively low-cost
surgery can transform lives.
Rose Charities' surgeons have performed many of these operations at our clinic in Phnom Penh, and have been
able to welcome the Operation Rainbow Canada team to the clinic on two occasions in the last two years.
It is our aim to teach local
Cambodian doctors and nurses whenever possible, so that the skills for these (and other) procedures can flourish.
Over the years many medical students have visited our two programmes in Phnom Penh, to observe, assist and teach.
This is a practice Rose Charities encourages, and one which is welcomed by the people and staff of the clinics.
At a personal level....
A child born with a cleft lip and palate in Cambodia has a very bleak future. Ly-so was hidden by her family who were ashamed of her
appearance. Without friends or basic schooling, without the possibility of a husband or work, such children are cruelly also believed to be
mentally sub-normal. Luckily for Ly-so she was able to have the surgery which has so completely transformed her life and prospects.
Cleft lip and palate operations typically cost $50 CAD (including pre- and post-operative care) To donate an operation, click here
Acid burns
It is almost impossible to imagine the pain, disfigurement and suffering caused by burns. Many are accidental burns but tragically many burns are deliberately inflicted acid burns, particularly on women. Although sophisticated cosmetic surgery is not really accessible for the majority of sufferers, much can be done to alleviate suffering and to regain partial use of an affected area. With surgery, burns contractures can be released so that movement can be restored and some function regained, for example as with a burn-damaged hand.
The surgeon at the Rose supported clinic has been able to perform many operations and procedures to assist burns victims.