25 Years & Counting!

The story of The 2h Project began in 1999, on the banks of the Mekong River, with one young mother. A chance meeting that has changed my life in a profound way and the lives of so many others … hopefully for the better.

The last 12 months have been pivotal for 2h, marked by deep reflection and bold steps forward. We initiated a process, motivated by the idea of broadening our reach beyond Cambodia and to amplify our impact on a global scale. While Cambodia remains close to our hearts, the needs we are addressing are universal.

The decision to rebrand, reflects our commitment to mothers everywhere and signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter … excellent maternal care isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline.

As part of this process, we’ve taken a fresh look at our values, reaffirming what drives us and what connects us:

  • Grounded in Community: We believe in the power of grassroots action, where every individual has the potential to make a difference.

  • An Unwavering Commitment: At the heart of who we are is an unwavering commitment to providing excellent care during pregnancy and childbirth.

  • Compassionately Big-Hearted: We care deeply, and our work is rooted in kindness, passion and generosity.

  • United for Change: We believe in the transformative power of human connection to create lasting impact.

  • A Leading Voice: We’re dedicated to safeguarding lives through bold, forward-thinking solutions.

My genuine thanks to every kind hearted individual who has helped along the way … 25 years is a long time. Your belief in our mission fuels our work and gives us the collective courage to dream even bigger. I know that together, as the future enfolds, we’ll bring greater clarity and emphasis to who we are and what we do. An endeavour that captures the heart of that original experience and outworks a young woman’s fears to positively impact the lives of thousands and thousands of women.

Living Without Mum

In the Cambodian province of Ratanakiri, December 2022 was meant to be a joyous occasion for 26 year-old Blaeum Phyath. Far from medical help, she went into labour at night, bravely bringing her beautiful baby boy, Sev Mai, into the world. Soon after his birth, Phyath started to bleed. Without any professional medical assistance and with no transportation available, what should have been a celebration of new life, quickly turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy.

Sev Mai, now a vibrant 18-month-old, grows up with the memory and photos of a mother he will never know. Phyath's family and entire community continue to mourn the loss of a young mum. Phyath's story is a stark reminder that over 95% of maternal deaths take place in developing countries and the majority of these deaths can be prevented.

Knowing the importance of comprehensive antenatal care, we implemented Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), with the aim of providing essential care to expectant mothers in remote communities free-of-charge.

Eighteen months later, and the impact is palpable. Mothers who previously lacked access to antenatal care can now see their unborn babies and receive crucial medical attention. These ultrasound services have become a lifeline, restoring trust, growing confidence and preventing tragedies like Phyath’s. At O Ya' Dav Health Centre just kilometres from the Cambodia-Vietnam border, midwife Sreymech stands as a symbol of hope and dedication. A recent graduate of our ultrasound training program, Sreymech has not only gained invaluable skills but has also revolutionised antenatal care for countless women living in her remote district.

Sreymech works tirelessly with women from various ethnic backgrounds in a region where education is extremely limited. “Many women marry and have children at a young age, often unaware of the importance of maternal healthcare”. Her commitment ensures these young mothers receive the critical care and education they so desperately need.