Malaria; Bed Net distribution; Malaria Leaving Siem Reap, a long drive and "cojun" cart bring us to the village of Prongyeang , Kanthout commune, Svayleu district, located in Siem Reap Province. In this village that cannot be accessed by car, 173 families live, 736 people. Houses are spread out far, most people are rice farmers. Roads are partially flooded from recent rainfall.

Today, only migrant workers in this community will receive LLINs, one for each family member (babies excluded) + one hammock net. A census is done first a few days in advance to determine the bed net need. Then during the gathering at the village chief's house, all names all called of the list. Those who are not mentioned are asked to leave, as they are not eligible, at least not today. 173 nets (coincidentally the same number as the number of families) will be handed out.

The nets left the nearest health centre (Kantout health centre) a day earlier, and stored at the village chief's home. This is where the gathering takes place.

A micro lending program from MFI allows adult children of people who live here to work across the border (where?) to earn extra money. In most cases, it appears that workers come and go to and from other areas in Cambodia, depending on where the (planting and harvesting) is taking place.

These blue nets are LLINs, but some people who live here prefer the larger untreated nets, which can cover entire family. Wet hands touching the LLIN could also cause itches because of contact with the insecticide. The LLNS are rougher, as well.

An important feature of the distribution practice is involvement of the community itself, through close coordination between the health centre and the village chief.

We see the distribution at the village chief's home