Issue 23. January – December 2023
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EDITOR’S WORDS Welcome to the 23nd issue of the AHHA newsletter: a non-profit charity newsletter brought to you by our volunteer contributors. This edition is particularly special as it marks the 20th year anniversary for when AHHA was founded. Since 2003, AHHA has been deeply committed to providing ophthalmic, medical, dental, training and humanitarian aid to impoverished communities. AHHA’s key milestones to date include over ten thousand free cataract surgeries, over twenty thousand dental procedures and the building of two community centres across Vietnam and Cambodia. This is in addition to the millions of dollars raised for humanitarian aid both domestically and internationally. These are momentous achievements, and a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, generosity of our donors and ongoing commitment of our supporters. We are excited to share with you AHHA’s most recent successes achieved by our volunteers, partners and supporters from the past year. You will read about the field trip accomplishments in Vietnam and Cambodia, volunteer experiences, fundraising activities and enjoy key events captured in the photo galleries. We also pay special tribute to our long term volunteers Dr Juliana Chong, Dr David Worsnop, Dr KhanhTien Truong, and Trudy Ho. As always, special thanks to all our newsletter contributors especially Ted Mylnarz and Dr William Trinh whose ongoing insights and efforts make this newsletter possible. We also would like to express our gratitude to all AHHA volunteers and supporters who enable us to assist impoverished communities in humanitarian need. For more information on past and upcoming projects please visit: https://www.ahha.org. au/, or alternatively please stay connected via our facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/AustralianHealthHumanitarianAid! Happy reading, Will C.
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Letter from the C Writer Dr William Trinh
Dear supporters, It brings me immense joy to share with you the remarkable progress we've made despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to your unwavering support and the dedication of our incredible volunteers, AHHA has not only recovered but thrived in continuing our charitable initiatives both within Australia and abroad. Our volunteers, whose hard work and compassion have allowed us to carry out the extraordinary work that benefits the underprivileged. Equally, we remain deeply appreciative of the continued support and generosity of our donors, who have placed their trust in our cause and generously contributed to help those in need. In March, we celebrated a significant milestone by hosting our first in-person Annual General Meeting since the onset of the pandemic. We were thrilled to witness a record number of members and volunteers in attendance, actively participating in voting for our new management team and engaging in discussions about the future of AHHA. I am both honoured and humbled to have been re-elected as Chairman, and I am delighted that many of our long-standing committee members will continue to serve on the board.
HIGHLIGHTS our deepest thanks to all the volunteers who tirelessly prepared for this event, with special recognition for Linda Do and Dr Joseph Do for their exceptional contributions, as well as Tanya AnhTuan Nguyen, Dr. Hien Tran, Dr. Hung Tran, Minh Al Le, and all those who coordinated the evening. Furthermore, I want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our CEO, Ted Mlynarz, Dr. Hung Tran, and Mr. Thuan Nguyen for their exceptional coordination of our Sunday fundraising events at Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta, Sydney. These events not only help us promote our charitable work within the community but also raise crucial funds. It is truly inspiring to see Dr. Le Vu, our MC, alongside our dedicated volunteers and entertainers, reaching out to the community and witnessing their generous response to our appeals.
Chairman I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the following individuals who have been instrumental in our success throughout the year: vice chairman Dr. Hien Tran, CEO Mr. Ted Mlynarz, treasurer Dr. John Nguyen, secretary Ms. Isabelle Nguyen, surgical team leader Dr. Troy Limjoon, dental team leaders Dr. Chinh Nguyen, Dr. Hung Tran, Dr. Michele Tjeuw, medical team leader: Dr. Phuong Anh Lam, eye team leader Dr. Michael Stefanescu, nurse team leader: Ms. Joane Rehe, pharmacy team: Ms. Tuyet Nguyen, humanitarian team Ms. Thuy Nguyen, Ms. Christine Nguyen, Minh Ai Le, Trudy Ho, logistics leader Mr. Michael Tran, media team leader Ms. Tanya Anhtuan Nguyen, publication newsletter team Ms. Stephanie Wong, William Cheng, special projects Mr. Michael Luong, admin leader Ms. Maria Dang, QLD representative Dr. Khanh Tien Truong, VIC representative Dr. Juliana Chong, SA representative Dr. Oanh Ha, In May, we celebrated our 20th anniversary with our annual fundraising dinner at Liberty Restaurant in Bankstown, Sydney. Over 480 guests attended this remarkable event, which was graced by the presence of HE Prince Tesso Sisowath, who travelled from Phnom Penh to join us. The evening was a resounding success, featuring captivating entertainment and a significant amount raised. I extend
In August, after a three-year hiatus, we resumed our overseas missions in Cambodia and Vietnam with the participation of 76 volunteers from across Australia. Together, we provided 211 free eye surgeries at Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital (KSFH) in Cambodia, conducted 520 dental procedures for disabled children at the University of Puthisatra (UP), and distributed food aids to 500 poor families in need in the outskirts of Phnom Penh. In Hue City, Vietnam, at the AHHA community in Phu Nam Temple, our collaboration with local volunteers allowed us to offer general medical exams to over 200 patients, provide eye exams for more than 160 patients, and fund cataract surgeries for 25 individuals at the local provincial hospital. These missions were made possible through the invaluable support of our local partners and volunteers, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. Throughout the year, we continued our monthly rental assistance program at the Tinh Thuong community in Ho Chi Minh City, aiding impoverished children in improving their literacy and mathematics skills. Our monthly medical services at the AHHA community in Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Chhang, persisted, and we proudly donated four iPads to the Mai Am Cao Nguyen orphanage managed by Sr. Trinh of Carita Catholic Church, benefiting disabled children in Pleiku, Central Vietnam. I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and generous donors for their unwavering commitment to our cause. Your support enables us to carry on with our mission of serving the underprivileged, and I look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming years. With warm regards, Dr. William Trinh OAM
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 3
New AHHA Management 2023 Newly Elected Management Committee
AHHA is pleased to announce the following leadership renewals:
BOARD DIRECTORS Position
Occupant
Chairman
Dr William Trinh
Vice-Chairman
Dr Hien Tran
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Ted Mlynarz
Secretary
Ms Isabelle Nguyen
Treasurer
Dr John Nguyen
Director
Mr Michael Man Tran
Director
Dr Hung The Tran
Director
Dr Anh P Lam
Director
Dr Michael Stefanescu
Director
Dr Michele Tjeuw
Director
Mr Michael Luong
Director
Mr William Cheng
Thank You AHHA would like to extend a heartfelt thankyou to our long serving volunteers Dr Juliana Chong, Dr Khanh-Tien Truong, and Trudy Ho who stepped down from their roles on the management committee.
Dr Juliana Chong Juliana joined in 2004 and dedicated 19 years as the field trips theatre manager. In this role she was responsible for organising medical supplies to ensure our surgical operations ran smoothly. Juliana also served as the Victoria state representative to not only promote and raise funds but also assist with recruiting and coordinating nurses for the annual field trip. Having participated in every single field trip, Juliana is invaluable within the medical theatre and one our most charitable donors. We are deeply grateful for your leadership and generosity you have demonstrated.
Dr Khanh-Tien Truong
Ophthalmology
Dr Troy Lim-Joon
Dental
Dr Michele Tjeuw Dr Chinh Nguyen Dr Hung The Tran
Medical/GP
Dr Anh P Lam
Khanh-Tien served as the team leader for the optometrist team and as AHHA’s Queensland state representative. She actively contributed an incredible ten years leading the optometry team where she ensured careful eye examination and proper preparation for eye surgery. Under challenging working environments, she guided the optometry team to rural and remote villages to see patients. Khanh-Tien was frequently our MC for many of AHHA’s fundraising events. Thank you, Khanh-Tien, for your outstanding commitment to AHHA’s cause.
Optometry
Dr Michael Stefanescu
Trudy Ho
Pharmacy
Ms Tuyet Yen Nguyen
Humanitarian Aid Projects
Ms Minh Ai Le
Media
Ms Tanya Anhtuan
Website
Dr Michael Stefanescu
Newsletter
Mr William Cheng
Logistics
Mr Charles Hili
Buildings
Mr Michael Luong
Annual Fundraising Dinner
Dr Joseph Do
Trip Administration
Ms Maria Dang
TEAM LEADER
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Joining in 2005, Trudy oversaw our humanitarian projects where she was instrumental in leading our water filter projects. Her leadership enabled our water filter program to provide clean drinking water to over forty thousand poor families. Known for her compassion, she would reach-out to underprivileged communities to coordinate our food aid donations. During field trips she led the dental admin team and was involved with recruiting and coordination of severely disabled children for dental treatment. Thank-you for dedication, your contribution has made a significant impact to the poor and underprivileged.
HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS
AHHA’s 20 years of humanitarian success Writer Tanya Tran, William Cheng
Over the past twenty years, AHHA is proud to have performed life changing medical procedures and provide humanitarian aid for communities both internationally and locally within Australia. Originally formed as Vietnam Vision Projects Australia (VVPA), AHHA has expanded its scope of operations from its founding in 2003. Our change of name in 2015 to Australian Health Humanitarian Aid reflects our broader aspiration to provide aid without border limitations. We have achieved much in the past two decades and with your generous support we will continue to provide assistance to the underprivileged to substantially improve their quality of life.
2003 - 2019 •
8,957 Medical examinations, cataract & eye surgeries
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8,936 Dental treatments
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8,700 Water filters distributed (2016 - 2019)
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289 Education sponsorships (2013 - 2018)
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 5
AHHA’s 20 years of humanitarian success 2019 1. Official opening Newly constructed, AHHA designed, community centre in Kampong Chnnang Cambodia 2. Vertical Drums project In Sinok Tru, Cambodia. Planter bins to provide fresh vegetables for village consumption.
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2020 1. NSW and QLD Bushfire appeal Fund raised for the Rural Fire Service: $65,173 2. Rotary drought relief project for Narromine/ Trangie - central west of NSW 3. Country of Myanmar Appeal • Donation of PPE to local hospitals, charity groups, nursing homes •
5,000+ masks
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5,000 face shields
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35,000+ hand sanitisers
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00+ non-contact thermometers
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1,500 surgical gloves
4. AHHA School Building Project 2020 • •
Fund raised : $105,980 Plans drawn up to build a community school in he Chhnok Tru village of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia
5. Donation to central Vietnam flood victims: •
1,977 water filters
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$63,000 to over 2,000 families
6. Dental scholarships and funding Denture works for poor patients from remote communities, Phnom Penh Cambodia
2021 1. Vietnam Covid Relief Appeal Saigon,Vietnam: •
Fund raised : $125,503
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Donated 30 oxygen concentrators to field hospitals in Saigon
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10+ tons of rice 450+ food parcels to poor families
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5,000 free meals to frontline workers and Covid patients.
2. India, Sri-Lanka, Cambodia Covid19 Relief Appeal • Fund raised: $52,400 3. Continuation of the Denture program In Phnom Penh, Cambodia for poor patients from remote communities.
2022 1. Distribution of rice (20kg) to 300 poor families in AHHA community centre Kampong Chhnang and at the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia 2. Official opening AHHA sponsored, designed and built Emergency/Community centre in Chau Pho Nam, Canh-Thin near Hue, Vietnam. 3. Medical checks Eye testing/screening for over 500 patients and 600 food parcels distributed in the new AHHA community centre in Chau Pho Nam, Canh-Thin near Hue, Vietnam.
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 7
2023 Annual Field Trip
Writer Ted Mylnarz
It was a few minutes after 5.00 am on Thursday 3 August 2023 when a truck carrying around 900kg of medical supplies and equipment arrived at the International Terminal at Sydney Airport, the long awaited AHHA Mission for 2023 was about to begin. The first since 2019 due to restrictions imposed by COVID-19. AHHA volunteers promptly unloaded the cargo and the journey to Cambodia and Vietnam was on its way. Around 80 volunteers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide were on their way to continue the humanitarian and charitable work for the poor, disadvantaged and needy, for which AHHA is renowned. Cataract Operations, Eye Examinations, Medical Examinations, Dental Procedures, Medication Dispensing and distribution of Food Parcels. These services are provided free-of-charge to the patients who are disadvantaged and some disabled who otherwise would not be able to afford these services or receive medical attention due to their isolation in rural areas.
Cambodia
In Cambodia during the five days, the Eye and Medical team operated from the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital in Phnom Penh. The first day was devoted to setting up the operating theatres and examination rooms while some volunteers took the opportunity to visit a village where humanitarian food parcels were distributed. The next three days were devoted to processing the patients while providing medical and optometry examinations as well as performing cataract operations.
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The Dental team was situated at the University of Puthisastra in Phnom Penh where procedures were carried out mostly on children with special needs, disabilities and being disadvantaged. This situation provided an opportunity for the dental students to work closely with AHHA dental staff and learn invaluable procedures which provided a learning experience for their studies. The results for this period are: 370 medical examination with medication prescribed and provided. 490 eye examinations. 212 cataract operations. 556 dental patients examined and treated. (See dental article for details). 600 humanitarian food parcels distributed. AHHA is grateful for the assistance and contribution of the following organisations in Cambodia, without their support and partnership many of the activities would not be possible: - National Bank of Cambodia - Khmer Sight Foundation - Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital - University of Puthisastra - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Ministry of Health
HIGHLIGHTS
Long Tho Temple – Hue
Vietnam
Special needs school children at Long Tho Temple - Hue
Following the completion of operations in Cambodia some volunteers returned home while a smaller group proceeded to Hue in Vietnam to provide medical and humanitarian assistance. AHHA with the support of its sponsors and generous donors undertook to construct an emergency/ evacuation centre on the grounds of the Pho Nam Temple, a short distance from the city of Hue. Due to regular and constant flooding caused by severe monsoonal downpours, villages are severely inundated by flood and some lives have been lost. With the construction of the centre, villagers are able to find relief from the floods and wait for the flood waters to recede to return to their homes. While at the centre in the temple grounds, the following happened during one day of activity. 186 medical examinations with prescribed medication. 150 eye examinations with 60 considered for cataract operation. 600 humanitarian food parcels distributed. In Hue, AHHA volunteers visited the Long Tho Temple where a school is conducted for special needs children. The children were presented with gifts and some financial support was donated to parents. A patient examined at Pho Nam Temple near Hue
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 9
Freedom Plaza Cabramatta Fundraiser April & October Writer Dr William Trinh and William Cheng
In April and October, AHHA held BBQ fundraising events at the iconic Freedom Plaza in Cabramatta. It was wonderful to see the local community come out to enjoy the sunshine and support AHHA’s fundraising efforts for our overseas missions in Cambodia and Vietnam. AHHA volunteers are to be commended for rising early on Sunday morning to assist with the sausage sizzle, entertainment and fundraising. We commend and greatly appreciate everyone's assistance with making this event a great success.
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HIGHLIGHTS
AHHA Fundraising Dinner 20th May 2023 Writer Dr William Trinh and William Cheng In May, AHHA held its 20th-anniversary fundraising dinner at Liberty Restaurant in Bankstown, Sydney. The dinner proved to be a massive success with over 500 guests attending. Our event was honoured by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Tesso Sisowath, who not only travelled from Cambodia to join us but also gifted the stunning Apsara crown and costume for our auction. It was a fantastic evening with our guests enjoying the captivating performances by fellow volunteers, traditional lion dancers and Brazilian samba performers. The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for volunteers and donors to reconnect with one another. The collective generosity of attendees fundraised over $120,000 to aid our missions in Cambodia and
Vietnam. With the rising costs of surgical and medical supplies, compounded by the challenges of COVID and inflation, and the increasing challenge in securing donations from pharmaceutical firms, these funds are more crucial than ever. The success of the dinner would not have been possible without the dedication of our hardworking volunteers and the generosity of our donors. We would like to extend a special thank you to our MC, Dr. Son Chau-Vo, Dr. Le Vu, Marcus, Chloe, Caitlyn, and all our volunteers. We also would like to extend our appreciation to Michael Man Tran for his outstanding job as the auctioneer. Finally, we would like to also express our gratitude to the members of our management committee, Khanh Linh, Ai Le, and her reception team, as well as our volunteer singers and dancers for their contribution.
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 11
Thank You 2023 Field Trip Volunteers Writer William Cheng AHHA wishes to thank each and everyone of our 2023 field trip volunteers. We commend the team’s enormous commitment, teamwork and leadership required to contribute to the field trip's ongoing success. Thank-you for your commitment, compassion and generosity which contributed to another successful mission
Dr Alan Fitzpatrick Ms Alison Plain Mrs Alison Tran Ms Amanda Le Ms Angela Driscoll-Smith Ms Anh Kieu Dr Anthony Lam Miss Bethany Nguyen Ms Bianca Le Dr Chan Nguyen Dr Chinh Nguyen Ms Christine Nguyen Ms Cindy Kim Dr Clodagh Sinnott Mr Connor Fitzpatrick Dr Daniel Kim Dr Danielle Tsang Ms Emi Izawa (Callaway) Miss Eunice Tsang
Miss Hannah Yap Dr Hien Tran Dr Hong Du Dr Hung Tran Miss Isabelle Nguyen Dr James Ngo Ms Joanne Rehe Mr Joseph Vu Dr Joseph Do Mr Kenny Nguyen Dr Kevin Foo Mr Lance Nguyen Dr Lance Lui Dr Lo-An Vu Ms Maria Dang Mrs Maria Hang Tran Ms Marie Myers Mr Mark Ronquillo Mr Michael Tran
Dr Michael Stefanescu Dr Michael Shui Dr Michele Tjeuw Dr Minh Nguyen Ms Minh Ai Le Dr Minh Khanh Tran Dr Minh The Tran Dr Nivethanan Kamalendran Dr Patrick Wong Dr Phung Vu Dr Quang Trong Le Ms Quynh Dao Lien Ms Rebecca Le Ms Riena Palban Ms Ruba Adbul Razag Dr Ryan Tsang Dr Sarah Wong Mr Scott Marshall Mr Sebastian Vu
Ms Sonia Farah Ms Stephanie Wong Dr Steven Doan Mr Steven Anhtuan-Nguyen Ms Suk Ting Ng Ms Tania Thao Hoang Ms Tanya Anhtuan-Nguyen Mr Ted Mlynarz Dr Thien Tim Huynh Dr Thomas Pham Master Toby Tran Dr Troy Lim Joon Ms Tuyet Nguyen Ms Vickie Dods Dr Vu Nguyen Dr William Trinh
All volunteers pay for their own expenses including airfares, accommodation, transportation and meals.
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VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Dr Hong Du Paediatrician Writer Hong Du
Joining AHHA and the dental team in Cambodia over 4 days was a delightful and valuable experience. I was lucky to visit the Borey Orphanage and the Rabbit Special School to help perform pre-assessments on children with physical, intellectual and behavioural disabilities. I saw children with conditions I would typically see such as autism and cerebral palsy but without access to the “standard care” provided in Australia. Despite this, it was wonderful to see kids who were cheeky and engaging. My favourite moment of bonding was an apprehensive boy with intellectual disability who delighted in rubbing the bald head of the dentist. Given command of the Dental Clinic at Puthisatra University, the Dental Team was ready to go with enthusiasm and energy as buses filled with kids arrived.
Some kids were curious while others, like children everywhere, were scared to visit the dentist’s chair. The time spent on the Dental Team allowed me to reflect on the importance of good oral health on the overall health and wellbeing of children and the importance of simple preventative messages such as regular teeth brushing, reducing sweet drinks and eating healthy snacks; messages we take for granted in Australia. I was impressed by all the visiting and local volunteers who kept the flow of kids moving; input data while hunched over laptops; handed out medication; interpreted in various languages; provided entertainment by making balloons out of gloves or taking photos; or simply performed odd jobs. And of course, a loud applause for the clinical dental team providing the much-needed dental care.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Hannah Yap High School Student Writer Hannah Yap
Travelling to Cambodia with AHHA was an extremely enriching and meaningful experience for me, that was unique to what most high-school students have exposure to. Being apart of a team of medical professionals and student volunteers was extremely inspiring as I was able to meet a team of people who shared a passion in helping others who are disadvantaged. I have learnt a lot from the various skills and knowledge that the various professionals have and am now more aware of the help the medical profession can bring to communities. More than anything, I am grateful to have been able to develop meaningful connections with the Cambodian children who have such different lifestyles and priorities from us, many of which have never seen a dentist. Visiting the special schools showed me the shocking reality of these children my age, who are disabled and orphaned.
These experiences have made me incredibly passionate about providing the aid that these people require, and spreading awareness. I learnt a lot about the health and dental profession and have developed many skills that will help me in future.
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 13
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Scott Marshall Investments Manager
An Experience to Treasure Writer Scott Marshall August 2023 was my first trip to Cambodia with AHHA. It will not be my last. A few months ago a friend introduced me to the activities of AHHA in Cambodia. I was hooked from the start, and was grateful that the group agreed to allow me to join them this year. For those who have done this trip before (and some in AHHA have been to Cambodia many times over 20 years) you know what to expect. But for myself, even after talking to the leaders numerous times over the months before the trip, I was not sure what to expect. The team is a fantastic group of professionals and dedicated support staff (including myself). While I did not get the opportunity to speak to every AHHA volunteer, I look forward to extending the friendships when we meet again, probably at the fund raising activities in Sydney. AHHA has set up an efficient process to move bulk medical equipment and drugs (900 kg this year) from Australia to Cambodia, set up (literally) the operating theatres, unpack the gear, perform literally hundreds of medical procedures (cataract and dental), and pack everything up again at the end. And then repeat this in Vietnam! What were the major experiences? Watching the group set up and perform - from the initial packed boxes and empty hospital spaces through organised chaos to an efficient and streamlined base of operations The friendships made Observing the professional drive of every person Witnessing the obvious lessons learnt and the growth from 20 years of AHHA operations Imagining the large support network that has been built and surrounds AHHA in Cambodia, from the royal family and government officials right down to enthusiastic local persons.
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OUR VOLUNTEERS
There were many accomplishments over the 5 short days that I was with AHHA in Cambodia. I did not go to Vietnam this year, but from what I saw: Amazing logistics to transport medical equipment to and within Cambodia AHHA performed around 380 cataract operations, which included screening and prepping each patient Some 600 dental procedures Handing out food, blankets and money to around 600 desperately poor Cambodian families Fantastic support from the hospital and government departments to assist with facilities and processes Each AHHA volunteer was treated very well, so that we could balance the busy days with great dinners and conversation Detailed team building, so that we all worked efficiently and harmoniously Enthusiastic and professionally minded volunteers Enthusiastic fund raising activities in Australia Great support networks within Cambodia to assist with patient selection and facilities availability And I should mention – the AHHA team leaders successfully hid the underlying chaos that you would expect from such a venture. There are many memories that I gained over the 5 short days. I spent several days walking around the city of Phnom Penh, and thus saw a small but diverse section of the city. Large parks, the Mekong River, the many new buildings, the many local city residents happily just enjoying themselves and their families, and the miles of the more established city buildings. Talking to several local people while in Phnom Penh, it was such a pleasure to see their enthusiasm to make their country a better place. That alone means that the work of AHHA will not be wasted, as our example will help to encourage another group of Cambodians to build their country for their families. While handing out the food to 600 village persons, had the opportunity to walk around the desperately poor
part of the village. I expected to see this, being Cambodia, but even so it is hard on the heart to witness this at first hand. And this throws into the spotlight the absolute value of our work. My job, as a first year volunteer, was to put drops into the eyes of prospective cataract procedure recipients before final screening and surgery. Each of the local persons, who I am sure did not speak a word of English, were so appreciative of our efforts. You could see in their faces both the happiness that we are there to help, combined with a fear of the unknown relating to the upcoming operation. Treating some 380 or so poor local village people that were so thankful made the days worthwhile. But the days were not easy. The first day of operation in particular was exhausting, but we got through. The smiles and positive attitude from the AHHA group were infectious and got us through the day. AHHA made sure that all of the volunteers were well catered for. The hotel was more than adequate, and each of the dinners was well above expectation. I must thank the AHHA organisers for taking so much care of all of us. Transport and logistics arrived and worked without a hitch. But like everything to do with this trip, I am sure there was a lot of communication and heartache that we did not see. This is a sign of a professional organisation, and this made the experience of each volunteer so much more valuable. I truly look forward to catching up next year with the friends that I have made on this trip. And of course to being able to extend my time to include the Vietnam part of the trip. And hopefully I will be able to spend a few days at Siem Reap with a locally run ecotourism company I made contact with, to see Angkor Wat and its surroundings. With the friendships made, the massive amount of good work that we did, the professional organisation of AHHA, and the opportunity to walk around more of the city of Phnom Penh, I am a definite YES for next year. Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 15
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Dr Minh Nguyen Optometrist Writer Minh Nguyen Access to health care shouldn’t be limited to certain people, but it unfortunately is. Having access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are things I don’t worry about because I had the privilege of growing up in Australia. I’ve always felt incredibly grateful to my parents, educators, colleagues, and patients for enabling an optometry career that is both rewarding and fulfilling to my life. I have previously done volunteer work in Indigenous communities in Australia and at aged care facilities in Hong Kong, but it had been looming on my mind for several years that I could and should do more to better people's lives with the skills that I have. I researched a few options online and came across the Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA). I submitted an enquiry and within a few days the Chairman himself, Dr William Trinh was in contact with me. William was friendly and charismatic, and he was passionate about AHHA and about ensuring that I was well equipped and fitting for their first Health Mission Trip since the COVID-19 pandemic. Months and months of planning ensued and before I knew it, August was right around the corner. I was very excited yet slightly anxious to be joining the mission trip without having personally met anyone from AHHA. I flew in from Brisbane and would meet everyone in transit at the Singapore Airport en route to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. My fears had quickly withered once I had introduced myself to all of the friendly faces in their signature bright yellow uniforms, and everyone welcomed me without hesitation. We built an incredible team bond on day one as we set up the clinic and got acquainted with one another. We set up several stations within a small corridor and single room in the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, that included visual acuity, ocular health assessments, cataract surgery measurements, general health assessments, pharmacy, cataract surgery, and postoperative care. After setting up at the hospital we headed to a village to provide humanitarian aid and screen people for cataract surgery. It felt incredibly overwhelming but heartwarming to see all of the smiling faces of adults and children around the church gathering around to watch as we examined their eyes.
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Over the next couple days, we worked diligently from morning through to evening seeing patients. The hours were long and the conditions were tough, with many patients crowded through the small hospital corridors. I recall moments where I felt completely overwhelmed and fatigued from standing on my feet and wearing my binocular indirect ophthalmoscope for long hours. The gratitude expressed by the Cambodian people that travelled over four hours by bus to the hospital, and continued to wait to be assessed, made the overwhelming feelings of fatigue dissipate. I suddenly felt comfort during these small moments of discomfort. I felt nothing but cheerful knowing that I had an amazing team supporting me through the same mission, to improve the sight and livelihood of others. I am incredibly thankful to Khmer Sight and The National Bank of Cambodia volunteers that stood by us through the entire mission to translate and assist the patients. These organisations arranged transport for the patients, liaised with pre-screening and logistwics, and organised meals. Collectively, over three days we performed over 490 eye examinations, 370 general medical examinations, and 212 eye surgeries. The experience was more than I could have envisioned and I am incredibly grateful to the AHHA team for making the hard work and long hours as enjoyable as they were. I felt proud that I could harness my skills and expertise as an optometrist to assess and decide
OUR VOLUNTEERS
if the patient would benefit from cataract surgery. It was such an incredible accomplishment to enrich the lives of people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to cataract surgery and now live to see with a clearer future. I’m so grateful for the lifelong friends and connections I made during this one week trip to Cambodia. I gained a new insight to the impact that I am capable of, and the experience has done nothing but enrich my life.
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 17
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Isabelle Nguyen Medical student
Writer Isabelle Nguyen
As a member of AHHA’s Management Committee, it was rewarding to witness our year’s worth of planning come to fruition on this mission. Although this would be my second trip to Cambodia with AHHA, it was my first as a medical student. The mentorship and guidance of the fantastic GPs opened a range of opportunities for me to broaden my clinical experiences. Leading consultations, prescribing medications, and offering a diagnosis are responsibilities that extend beyond the role of a medical student. However, in such conditions where medical care is urgent and doctors are scarce, stepping-up was imperative. Our patients had undertaken journeys spanning countless kilometres in the hopes of receiving medical treatment here, in Phnom Penh. Unfortunately, our limited capacity combined with
the sheer volume of patients meant that some were turned away with a heavy heart. As a volunteer, this was the most difficult fact for me to accept. Despite the tireless hours dedicated by every AHHA volunteer, our efforts are only a drop within a much larger sea of poverty and health disparity. Your ongoing support for AHHA’s mission is therefore crucial in helping us create a better future for those in need. Upon reflection, being entrusted with someone’s health was a privilege that has motivated me to deliver the best quality of care for all my patients. The initial uncertainty and fear that our patients brought in at reception, would slowly shift towards gratitude and hope by the end of our consultation. This understanding, connection, and empathy for a patient is something that cannot be
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taught in a classroom. I am grateful to have been a part of something so impactful, and I intend to continue my dedication to AHHA in the future.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Rebecca Le
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Physiotherapist Writer Rebecca Le
When I found out that I was accepted into AHHA, I was very excited to make a difference to people of Cambodia and Vietnam that needed it the most in whatever capacity that I would be able to. I volunteered at most of the fundraising events leading up to the mission, with joy and eagerness, and when it came time for the mission, I had the experience of a lifetime. I was in the administration team, where I worked in preop and post-op collating every patient’s files and often was the last person to leave the eye hospital for the day. Our team would wake up at 5am every morning, ready to work at 7am, and working until sometimes as late as 7pm. The conditions were difficult, the air was hot and stuffy, the halls were crowded, and at times it was stressful and tiring, but we had constant genuine smiles on. Working alongside such passionate and caring volunteers and patients who were ever so grateful made the experience so memorable and valuable. When the surgeries were successful, and the patients would leave the hospital after a long day of waiting around to be assessed by all the different disciplines, have their surgery and stay behind for post op surveillance, I will never forget their thank you’s and prayers when they would finally leave the hospital. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I was one of many volunteers on this mission to be a small part of a huge impact in restore the eyesight of so many deserving people.
Newsletter • Issue 23 • January – December 2023 | 19
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
Sonia Farah and Alia Shah Orthoptists
Writer Sonia Farah and Alia Shah
Our names are Sonia and Alia and we work together at Westmead hospital as Orthoptists. This year we volunteered together for AHHA.
opportunity. However, the road to this life-changing endeavor was longer than expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sonia:
The moment I finally found myself in Cambodia with such a unified and motivated group, I realized the wait had been worth it. Helping those who are most in need regain their vision and, in turn, their ability to support themselves and their families was an incredibly rewarding experience.
My introduction to this incredible opportunity came through the esteemed Dr. Son Huynh, a colleague at Westmead Hospital. The longing to employ our orthoptic skills to serve the people of Cambodia had been burning within me for quite some time, and AHHA finally presented the ideal platform for this heartfelt aspiration. My first encounter with AHHA was in 2019, and this year, I was blessed with the privilege to return. The role of orthoptists in this mission is indispensable, encompassing the execution of vital eye ancillary tests, notably the meticulous task of obtaining biometry measurements. These measurements hold the key to cataract surgeries, determining the selection of artificial lenses for each patient. Yet, our duties extend beyond the clinical realm; we are involved in the logistical aspects, ensuring the seamless setup and teardown of equipment. This year, we also extended our efforts to perform vision screenings in a local village. The most significant highlight of this experience for me lies in the profound camaraderie I share with this remarkable team of individuals, all driven by a common desire to effect change, even if it’s on a smaller scale. We may never be able to address the overwhelming number of patients we encounter, but the knowledge that we’ve made a concerted effort to impact the lives of the beautiful people of Cambodia is deeply gratifying. Alia: Volunteering in Cambodia with the Australian humanitarian aid and providing orthoptic services was a truly enlightening experience. It all began when my colleague Sonia introduced me to this remarkable
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The Australian humanitarian aid volunteers were not only kind but also incredibly supportive, making the entire experience even more enriching. The organization was impeccably organized, ensuring that we could perform hundreds of biometric measurements in a very limited time. Knowing that these efforts were contributing to a greater purpose filled me with a great sense of achievement. My overall experience with AHHA was overwhelmingly positive, and I’m eager to seize the opportunity to volunteer again in the future. This journey has not only made a significant impact on the lives of those we served but has left an indelible mark on my own heart, reminding me of the importance of selfless service and the power of unity in making the world a better place. During our time in Cambodia, we collaborated closely with a diverse group of dedicated volunteers, which included ophthalmologists, optometrists, general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and dentists. Our collective mission revolved around the provision of comprehensive medical examinations, thorough eye assessments, and crucial surgical procedures. We are profoundly proud to believe that our combined efforts had a direct and positive impact on the lives of individuals who often grapple with significant disadvantages. Many of these people were left unemployed or unable to fulfill their responsibilities to their families. Through our collaborative work, we aimed to restore their hope and provide them with the opportunity for a brighter and healthier future.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
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Congratulations Paul Harris Fellows Michael Tran and William Cheng Writer Ted Mylnarz
Rotary Recognition for Charity and Humanitarian Work Congratulations to Michael Man Tran and William Cheng on being recognised by the Rotary Club of Liverpool West for their humanitarian and charitable work and being presented with a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF). Paul Harris started the Rotary organisation in the USA over 100 years ago to encourage successful friends and associates to “Give Back to the Community”. The organisation has since grown internationally and today boasts over 33,000 clubs with a membership of over one million Rotarians providing humanitarian services and advancing goodwill and peace around the world. The Rotary Club of Liverpool West in Sydney has been a longtime supporter and partner of Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) and has recognised the effort and input of the many volunteers who contribute toward improving the lives of those less fortunate, both in Australia and oversees, in particular Vietnam and Cambodia. This year, for their long and valuable service to charity, the community and AHHA, two volunteers were recognised by the Rotary Club of Liverpool West and were presented with a Paul Harris Fellow, which is highly valued and recognised by Rotarians worldwide. Mr Michael Man Tran - Michael is a long term volunteer and a Management Committee member of AHHA. His willingness to get involved and support the work of AHHA has been recognised. Michael’s position as Logistics Manager involves the planning and organising (amongst many other things) of the AHHA volunteers with regard to travel, accommodation and meals when the annual missions to Cambodia and Vietnam take place, a task he takes seriously and performs exceptionally well. Mr William Cheng – William started his volunteering career at a very young age, working with his parents who have been AHHA volunteers from its inception. As a primary school student he would raise funds by busking (violin) at Town Hall railway station in the Sydney CBD and later as a high school student he arranged annual “sausage sizzles” at his school with proceeds being donated to AHHA. He has been on numerous
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AHHA Missions and is now a member of the AHHA Management Committee and part of the Media Team producing the AHHA Newsletter. With each PHF recognition, US$1,000,00 is contributed to the Rotary Foundation toward its humanitarian and educational programs which include educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunisation and shelter for millions of people around the world. CONGRATULATIONS to both recipients for a great effort which is a reflection on all AHHA volunteers, their efforts cannot be underestimated.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations
Isabelle Nguyen
Congratulations to our AHHA secretary Isabelle Nguyen, who was recently crowned winner of Miss Asia Global 2023. The Miss Asian Global Pageant not only empowers young Asian women, challenging conventional beauty standards and shattering stereotypes but also serves as a platform for young women to help advocate for and endorse great local charity organisations like AHHA. Isabelle, you are beautiful inside and out!
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Thank You This year we bid “adieu” to two dedicated volunteers.
Juliana and David have provided exceptional service over 19 years to help those in need in both Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as participating in charity and fundraising events in Australia.
Dr Juliana Chong
With a growing family and subsequent commitments Juliana and David have decided to curtail their volunteer work, however, will always be available to provide their expertise and knowledge as and when required and will remain registered volunteers with AHHA.
General Practitioner
Dr David Worsnop Ophthalmologist
Writer Ted Mlynarz As a husband and wife team, having spotted an advertisement in a medical magazine they began their volunteering adventures in 2004, joining Vietnam Vision Projects (VVP) on some of the initial overseas missions and continuing with Australian Health Humanitarian Aid (AHHA) providing the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm ensuring the success of cataract operations and the theatre management.
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From all at AHHA we wish you both a long and healthy future. Your contribution has been exceptional and your company, friendship and David’s humour and his constant rehearsing of his music will be sorely missed. You remain in our thoughts and hope to meet again, and again........ Best wishes on your future endeavors and adventures. “God Bless” Volunteer Profile articles can be accessed for: Juliana – Newsletter Issue 21. January – December 2021 David - Newsletter Issue 16. January – June 2017.
Multigate Medical Products We would like to express our gratitude to Multigate medical products for their generous donations of 200 ophthalmic drapes and other theatre supplies. It is the support of our donors which enables the year-on-year success of AHHA’s mission. Any donation, no matter the size, greatly assists with delivering life changing medical procedures and medical aid.
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We need your help! Our mission would not be possible without the generous donations from our valued donors. Your donations will help us to provide life changing cataract surgeries, vital dental treatments, medical & dental supplies, education sponsorships, school supplies, food packages and more to those in need. Donate today to help us give sight to change lives! Donation forms are available online at www.ahha.org.au/forms/ or see page 36 - 39 of this newsletter. We thank you for your support.