[KANDAL, CAMBODIA] – RI Korea, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has published a comprehensive impact report titled "2025 Achievement Report on Self-Directed Health Management." The report highlights a significant shift in health perceptions and behaviors among residents in the Ang Snuol District, following a year of intensive community-based health interventions.

Transforming Health Awareness into Action The project focused on two key villages, Borey Kamkor and Prey Tunloab, where residents face rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alongside aging and disability. The 2025 initiative moved beyond simple medical aid, focusing on "Health Literacy"—the ability of residents to understand and manage their own health conditions.

Key Outcomes and Qualitative Success The report details several major achievements in fostering a culture of self-care:

• Improved Chronic Disease Management: Residents with hypertension and diabetes showed increased compliance with medication and regular blood pressure/glucose monitoring.

• Adoption of Healthy Lifestyles: A noticeable increase in the practice of low-sodium diets, regular exercise (30 minutes of daily walking), and adequate hydration among the 300 target households.

• The 'Health Keeper' Effect: Local volunteers (Health Keepers) successfully conducted regular home visits, providing personalized health education that bridged the gap between professional medical advice and daily practice.

Overcoming Barriers to Health Equity The study found that qualitative support—such as psychological encouragement and social interaction—played a crucial role in improving health outcomes for the elderly and persons with disabilities. By empowering residents to take ownership of their health, the project has reduced the dependency on emergency medical services and fostered a more resilient community health foundation.

Future Strategies: Towards Intensive Care While the project achieved its primary goals, the report also identifies the need for a "Dual-Track Approach." Moving forward, RI Korea and KOICA plan to differentiate services by providing "General Care" for stable residents and "Intensive Home Nursing" for those with severe disabilities or stroke complications.

"Self-directed care is the most sustainable solution for rural health challenges," said a representative from RI Korea. "Seeing residents take pride in managing their own blood pressure and improving their daily habits is the greatest indicator of this project's success. We will continue to evolve our strategies to ensure no one is left behind in their journey toward better health."