Baray is a rural district in the province of Kompong Thom, central Cambodia, situated along the highway that runs between the capital city of Phnom Penh in the south and the city of Siem Reap in the north. Baray district has a population of 159,000 (2002 statistics) and mostly work as farmers. Most of the population live in wooden homes that are built along the highway on top of rice paddies. Many people live with poverty and rely on their own agricultural produce for food. There are no factories in the area. There is a river that crosses the main town of Kompong Thom, which is also many people's source of fish.

Project Description
The surgical projects serve one of the poorest districts in Central Cambodia. Surgical services are almost non-existent in the village of Baray. Each year, MMI sends one of the only major surgical teams that comes to the area. We have encouraged local doctors and medical personnel join and assist the team. This provides opportunities for them to observe how the procedures are done, how to observe sterile techniques and infection control in the conduct of the surgery. Local nurses are also given opportunities to observe how surgical nursing is done and most especially, the conduct of post operative and recovery nursing care.

Elevation
Ranges from -2m (-6 ft) to 418 m (1371 ft)

Climate
This city has a tropical climate. The summers here have a significant amount of rainfall, while the winters have very little. The average annual temperature in Kampong Thom is 27.6 °C.

Sihanoukville is a coastal city in Cambodia and the capital city of Sihanoukville Province, at the tip of an elevated peninsula in the country's south-west on the Gulf of Thailand. The city had a population of around 89,800 people and approximately 66,700 in its urban center in 2008. As a result of its economic diversity, the region's natural environment, and the recreational potential, an increasing number of seasonal and permanent foreign residents make Sihanoukville one of the most culturally varied and dynamic population centers in Cambodia. Infrastructure problems persist, in particular related to water and power supply, while international standard health facilities remain limited.

Cambodia still has one of the worst health statuses in Asia, although the situation is slowly changing for the better. Some government hospitals and other health units have been rehabilitated so that they are autonomous entities, staffed with qualified personnel. This has led to a significant increase in the utilization of health services. Local pharmacies provide a limited supply of prescription medications, but the quality of locally obtained medications varies greatly.

Elevation
14 m

Climate
Sihanoukville lies in the Tropical monsoon climate zone. The city has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The average August temperature ranges from a high of 32°C (90°F) to a low of 24°C (75°F).

Travellers must present a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into Cambodia. Tourist visas are required and can be obtained at a Cambodian embassy abroad, upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, or at certain land borders. Tourist visas allow entry to Cambodia for 30 days only, counting from the date of entry. When issued outside Cambodia, visas have an expiry date, which refers to the date by which the visa must be used, not the length of time allowed in the country. Travellers must pay a fee of US$30 for tourist visas (cash only) and provide two passport-sized photos. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Cambodia or visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia website for the most current visa information.

Important: An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required to visit Cambodia.

• Americans: Cambodia offers on-line visa processing. You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, tel. 202-726-7742, fax 202-726-8381. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. The US Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Cambodia.
For more information, see the US State Department website:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cambodia.html

• Canadians: Please check the following website for the most current entry/exit requirements:
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cambodia

• International: Please contact MMI office or Key Travel (formerly Raptim Humanitarian Travel) for visa requirement if needed.

Please email ALL CREDENTIALS upon application, as these must go to the Project Director in the country to be translated and then taken to the Ministry of Health to get temporary licenses prior to your arrival.

• For everyone, we need:
- Colour Scan / Photocopy of Passport (photo page)
- Colour photo for your name badge (any good photo, we can adjust size)
- Travel Itinerary
- Supply Lists

• Medical Professionals, we also need your:
- Current License (through time of project)
- Diploma (Techs, Nursing, Dental, MD and Board Certifications)
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume (this also will help the Project Director know your skills & experience to assign you a task on the project, especially for 1st time participants)

• Health Care Students: Letter of Good Standing from your school (including year of study and graduation date).

• All MINORS travelling with only one parent, or without their parents, will need a letter from BOTH parents stating that it is OK for the child to travel with one parent or an appointed guardian. The letter should be signed and notarized. MMI needs a copy of this letter, and the parent or guardian should carry the original letter while travelling.

Airfare is not included on the Project Schedule because the costs for airfare vary significantly based on the country location, location of team members, and time of year.

Once accepted for a Project Team, participants can contact our designated travel agent to coordinate schedules with the team itinerary.

Globespan Travel Management www.globespan.com
Email: Globespan on behalf of Medical Ministry International mmitravel@globespan.com
Phone: Connie Kelsey at: (800) 810-1948 or (416) 322-7629

• Applicants from outside USA or Canada:
Travel arrangement can be procured locally or with the recommended agency, but arrivals & departures must coordinate with team.

• Airport: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We strongly recommend that you consult a travel clinic, as they are aware of outbreaks and can suggest preventative immunizations. All routine immunizations should be up-to-date. Please check the following website for the most current information.

• Americans: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia

• Canadians: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cambodia

MMI will arrange local accommodations for the team.
• Laundry Service: usually available for additional fee
• AC: dependent on location
• Phone Service: check with your cell phone provider, roaming is very expensive
• Wifi/Internet: dependent on locations
• Voltage: 220V(adaptor and converter required).
• Meals: MMI will provide meals for the team. Dietary restrictions can be indicated on your application and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Be sure to bring your own re-usable water bottle with a wide mouth for refilling. Purified water is supplied. If you would like to bring snacks to have throughout the day, please bring items such as peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix or pretzels and crackers in sealable containers (like Ziploc bags).

• Language: Khmer (official) 96.3%, other 3.7%
• Religion:
- Buddhist (official): 96.9%
- Muslim: 1.9%
- Christian: 0.4%
- Other: 0.8%
• Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

The money in Cambodia is called the Cambodian Riel (KHR). MMI staff will help you exchange money. All major credit cards are accepted - Visa and MasterCard the most widely accepted (make sure to call your credit card company and let them know that you’ll be traveling internationally). Traveler’s cheques are not easily cashed. You must bring US dollars in good condition. Torn, stamped or old bills will not be exchanged. $100 bills older than 2006 are also not accepted.