News

A roof and water for the most destitute families
Pang Ol, Ith Khom and Pich Nheop are former leprosy patients living with numerous disabilities.Like many persons affected by leprosy, they used to live in dilapidated homes vulnerable to bad weather. They did not have the physical, technical and financial means to build quality housing.

Looking further ahead – 25 years of dedicated service
As announced several months ago, the KKLRC rehabilitation centre in Phnom Penh closed its doors at the end of 2020. Thanks to the solid partnership established between the CIOMAL Foundation and government institutions, the issue of leprosy has been handled particularly well and all patients have been transferred to Cambodian health centres. Significant transfer of […]

Faces of the Fund: Interview with Thierry zen Ruffinen
The Order of Malta’s CIOMAL Foundation focuses on reducing the incidence of leprosy and supporting those physically afflicted and socially stigmatised by this ancient disease. We spoke to Thierry zen Ruffinen, President of CIOMAL, about this important work and their plans for the future. Read more on The Global Fund for Forgotten People website

68th World Leprosy Day
On World Leprosy Day, which was celebrated around the world on 29th January 2021, the CIOMAL Foundation of the Order of Malta was very pleased to initiate a new partnership with the Alliance Against Leprosy, an organisation active in the fight against Hansen’s disease in Brazil, a country that is particularly invested in reducing the […]

Cows to keep their head above water
Affected by leprosy and destitute, Lang Ol, Uch Chhim, Yei Mao, and so many others, find themselves in the twilight of their lives alone and without any support, often abandoned by their families. The CIOMAL Foundation seeks to help them retain their dignity. Lang Ol was found three years ago, crouched at the back of […]

Detecting New Cases of Leprosy to Curb the Disease
The CIOMAL Foundation has been active in the fight against leprosy in Cambodia for over 25 years. Its work is centered around the early detection of new leprosy cases so that those affected may be treated as soon as the first signs of the disease appear and thus avoid permanent scars. “The most horrible thing […]

Newlyweds Standing Up To Prejudice
Soknim and Vanthi both bear the scars of leprosy and decided to hold a beautiful wedding in order to be fully accepted by their community. On a beautiful but sweltering day in April, Soknim and Vanthi arrived at the Kien Khleang Rehabilitation Center in Phnom Penh. They came to invite the CIOMAL staff to their […]

Beauty Contestants Show No Fear or Blame In The Face of Leprosy
For the 66th World Leprosy Day, the CIOMAL Foundation organised an open house morning in Phnom Penh on 30th January. Two hundred visitors joined the event, including university students and professors, representatives of national and international org anisations, as well as about one hundred people affected by leprosy. Opened in 2000 on the island situated […]

Utility Vehicles To Fight Leprosy
All year round, CIOMAL’s teams travel the provinces of Cambodia to fight leprosy and help those affected and their families live decent lives. Robust sturdy vehicles are indispensable to their mission. For over 25 years, CIOMAL’s teams have crisscrossed Cambodia to be as close as possible to those affected by leprosy and their families, who […]