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Direct Loan to the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia: A Private-Sector Intervention to Increase the Sustainability of Reproductive Health Services

During the turmoil of the Khmer Rouge, the Cambodian health care system was abolished - less than 50 doctors survived Pol Pot's regime. Since 1980, Cambodia has struggled to rebuild its health sector, but public services are still weak and health indicators are very low. Currently, Cambodia has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Asia. The private health sector has grown rapidly in Cambodia but is largely unregulated with varying degrees of quality. Within this difficult health environment, the Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC) stands out. RHAC is a local, private organization that provides high-quality health services through its clinics and community outreach programs. The Summa Foundation provided financing and technical assistance to improve the sustainability and growth of RHAC. This Summa Foundation publication shows how a private sector approach can contribute to improved sustainability. The study includes a detailed description of RHAC's background, the project design, and expected health outcomes from the Summa intervention.