A gift from the heart to children of Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia－The China-Cambodia Love Heart Journey project not only saved the lives of dozens of Cambodian children with congenital heart disease, or CHD, but also bridged the hearts of peoples in the two countries.

Launched in January 2018, the China-aided project aimed to provide 150 Cambodian children who have CHD with free surgery or treatment at the Fuwai Yunnan Cardiovascular Hospital in Yunnan province.

Chea Monyrith, the manager of the CHD project in Cambodia, said his team assisted the Chinese medical team in carrying out checks for more than 53,000 school children in 12 cities and provinces for CHD.

"According to a study and based on this figure, one out of 1,000 children in Cambodia has congenital heart disease," he said after an experience-sharing seminar about CHD on Friday.

"Eighty-seven children sent to China for treatment had returned to Cambodia with pretty good health," he said.

Tou Tang, 14, who had his congenital heart defect operated on successfully by Chinese doctors in 2019, said the project brought him new life and hope.

"Now I can play sports and have no shortness of breath like before," the ninth-grade student from Ratanakiri Province said.

Ray of hope

Pich Chanthy, 68, mother of Tou Tang, said the project offered a ray of hope for her family.

"I'm very poor and the house I live with my son is as small as a bed," the single mother said. "Without China's help, I could not afford to send him for surgery."

Tep Ngorn, the second vice-president of the Senate of Cambodia, showed his heartfelt thanks to China for supporting the project, saying it was important to save the lives of children from birth.

"On behalf of the Senate of Cambodia and myself, I'd like to express my profound gratitude to the Chinese government for paying attention to improving the well-being of the Cambodian people, especially children with heart disease from birth," he said.

China's Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wentian, said: "I strongly believe that children with congenital heart disease who have benefited from this project will become the messengers of China-Cambodia friendship in the future."

Xinhua