Ensuring Grant Value and Impact via Mainstreaming PSEAH 12.09.2023

Ms Chan Phum, a village malaria worker, Keng Ngey Village, Stung Treng Province, performs a malaria blood test for a worker who recently returned from the forest. Ms Chan Phum believes that PSEAH is doable if the health providers are well aware of the principles, mindful of their behaviour, and are role models for the community members. Photo by Linna Khorn/CRS

Integrating measures to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH) is a critical facet of any developmental endeavour, particularly at the project implementation level.

Strengthening the capabilities of field implementers and cultivating PSEAH awareness on-site are pivotal strategies. These enhance front-line implementers' efficacy and integrity, thus enhancing the significance of project outcomes and collaborations. Quality implementation of PSEAH advances the value and reputation of the individuals and institutions involved. Additionally, implementing PSEAH promotes understanding at the ground level around human rights and gender equality, reduces bias, and fosters respectful working environments.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) currently implements the RAI3E project (2021–2023), funded by the Global Fund, in four provinces of Cambodia: Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng and Preah Vihear. In this project, CRS collaborates closely with the Cambodian National Malaria Control Program, subnational health structures and community networks to contribute to malaria elimination in Cambodia. As of March 2023, the project covers a population of nearly 800,000 people and works through the four provincial health departments (PHDs), five operational districts (ODs), four provincial hospitals, three referral hospitals, 93 health centres (HCs) and 831 village malaria workers/mobile malaria workers (VMWs/MMWs).

“Sexual exploitation and abuse could damage an organization's reputation and individuals could lose their dignity. We should behave and perform wisely and professionally,” said Dr Sim Socheat, Stung Treng OD Malaria Supervisor, Stung Treng Province. 

Amid this busy and complex program, CRS maintains a strong priority for PSEAH. CRS staff, volunteers and other partners at all levels are properly trained on PSEAH to ensure an understanding of professional behaviour competencies for performing the project activities. CRS integrates PSEAH into project plans and interventions at various levels, including inserting PSEAH into the agenda of the VMW/MMW monthly meeting; develops information, education and communication material about PSEAH to distribute to display at targeted health centres; and implements reporting, feedback and response mechanisms.

CRS believes that government partners at the subnational level, including VMWs/MMWs, are in the best position to make a difference in eliminating malaria, and to that end, PSEAH is mainstreamed in the project implementation by providing training and awareness-raising sessions to the PHDs, ODs, HCs and CRS staff; as well as VMWs/MMWs, commune council members and village chiefs. Since the beginning of the RAI3E project and up to March 2023, 668 people (of which 280 were female) have received PSEAH core messages/guidance.

“Being attentive to sexual exploitation and abuse is crucial to building trust with the community. If we perform inappropriately, it could affect people’s feelings, and they won’t participate in the project implementation,” said Mr Dy Sovannara, malaria staff at Sre Sambo Health Centre, Stung Treng Province. 

As a result of the training, the trained health providers (PHD, OD and HC staff) reinforce the core contents of PSEAH in the VMW/MMW monthly meeting, which strengthens and refreshes the knowledge of VMWs/MMWs, commune council members and village chiefs, and allows them to share experience in integrating PSEAH in their daily performance. On top of that, CRS supports monthly supervision activity from HC staff to VMWs/MMWs, which is when HC staff assess the performance in the context of integrated PSEAH of the VMWs/MMWs, identify needs and provide support as much as possible.

“PSEAH is doable, preventing problems linked with behaviours of the providers. We have to be careful in interacting with the community members. We should not use words that could lead to sexual relationships and be a role model for them,” said Ms Chan Phum, VMW in Keng Ngey Village, Stung Treng Province.