Friends Without a Border

Logo of Friends Without a Border

Friends Without a Border is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthcare to children in Southeast Asia. Founded in 1996 by Japanese-American photographer Kenro Izu, the organization aims to improve the health and well-being of children through the establishment of hospitals and medical programs.

History

Friends Without a Border was established following Kenro Izu's visit to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, where he was moved by the plight of children suffering from inadequate healthcare. Inspired to make a difference, Izu founded the organization with the mission of providing compassionate and high-quality medical care to children in need.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Friends Without a Border is to provide compassionate medical care to children in Southeast Asia, with a focus on sustainability and community involvement. The organization envisions a world where every child has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Key Projects

Angkor Hospital for Children

The first major project of Friends Without a Border was the establishment of the Angkor Hospital for Children (AHC) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, in 1999. The hospital provides free and comprehensive healthcare services to children and has become a model for pediatric care in the region. AHC offers a range of services, including outpatient care, inpatient care, surgery, and community outreach programs.

Lao Friends Hospital for Children

In 2015, Friends Without a Border expanded its efforts to Laos with the opening of the Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang. The hospital provides free medical care to children and focuses on building local capacity through training and education programs for healthcare professionals.

Programs and Services

Friends Without a Border implements various programs to enhance healthcare delivery and education in the regions they serve. These include:

• Medical Training and Education: The organization provides training for local healthcare professionals to ensure sustainable and high-quality care.
• Community Outreach: Programs aimed at educating communities about health and hygiene to prevent diseases and improve overall health.
• Volunteer Programs: Opportunities for medical professionals and volunteers to contribute their skills and knowledge to the hospitals.

Impact

Since its inception, Friends Without a Border has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of children in Southeast Asia. The organization has treated hundreds of thousands of children and trained numerous healthcare professionals, contributing to the improvement of healthcare systems in Cambodia and Laos.

Related pages

• Kenro Izu
• Angkor Hospital for Children
• Lao Friends Hospital for Children