Small Steps Towards a Speech Therapy Profession in Cambodia: Lessons Learned So Far

Abstract

This paper provides a contemporary overview of speech language pathology services and professional training in Cambodia. The unique national context, including Cambodia's conflict-ridden past, its resource-poor and underdeveloped health sector institutions, and the proliferation of many international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country, all serve to make the delivery of speech-language pathology services and establishment of a local speech-language pathology profession challenging and complex. The increasing numbers of international speech-language pathology professionals volunteering their services on a short-term basis in Cambodia is given focus, and the subsequent impact on establishing sustainable local services. We profile the efforts of one NGO, OIC Cambodia, and its “Exit Strategy,” aimed at developing a local speech-language pathology professional infrastructure through local training, a more robust Cambodian government policy framework, establishing local career pathways and professional network, and public awareness raising of speech-language pathology needs and services. The paper concludes that there will be more significant and ongoing benefits for the Cambodian health and education sectors and general population by focussing efforts on establishing a local speech-language pathology profession and institutional presence.