The WAH (Water and Healthcare) Foundation is a Cambodia-registered NGO (#1269) and Singapore-registered not-for-profit organisation. WAH’s mission is to improve the life and conditions of underserved rural communities. WAH started in Kampong Chhnang province in 2009, with the aim of creating impact for over 500,000 people through access to clean water and improved healthcare.

Christopher Wilson, founder of the Water and Healthcare Foundation, has built the organisation around a clear priority: improving the well-being of women and children in underserved rural communities.

The WAH Foundation works closely with local communities, strengthening capacity through innovation, long-term partnerships and medical education. Its programmes focus on schools, hospitals and health centres, delivering access to clean water alongside medical training initiatives such as train-the-trainer models. The Foundation also collaborates directly with community leaders to support independence, accountability and long-term sustainability.

Over the years, its work has expanded to include cataract surgeries, midwifery and paediatric emergency care training, as well as the installation of clean water systems across schools and health facilities. Central to the Foundation’s approach is deep local engagement, taking time to understand on-the-ground challenges and building partnerships rooted in shared contribution rather than one-sided aid.

LUXUO speaks to Christopher Wilson about the founding vision behind the WAH Foundation, the lessons learned from working at grassroots level and how access to clean water and healthcare can reshape entire communities.

For more information visit: https://www.wahfoundation.org/

Water and Healthcare (WAH) Foundation: A Journey of Impact

Founding Vision (2008-2009)

The journey of Water and Healthcare (WAH) Foundation began in 2008, when I was traveling through Cambodia with my friend and business partner, Boun Chhay, to explore land development opportunities. During this time, we witnessed firsthand the dire living conditions in rural communities. Recognizing the urgent need for clean water and healthcare, we committed ourselves to making a tangible difference.

After six months of research and conversations with locals, we uncovered alarming statistics: 8% of children were not reaching their fifth birthday, and 60% of Cambodians lacked access to clean water. This realization solidified our mission—to provide rural communities with clean water.

Early Efforts and First Installations (2010-2012)

Being based in Singapore, we leveraged our networks to find cost-effective and sustainable water filtration solutions. Hyflux Singapore had developed an ultra-filtration water filter powered by gravity flow. With support from Olivia Lum, we secured a customized ultrafiltration system—the “Freeflow 60,” capable of producing 60 litres of clean water per hour.

In June 2010, we installed our first system at a school in Kampong Chhnang Province (KCP). KCP, with a population of 579,000, and 550 schools, 3 hospitals, and 49 health centres, was an ideal province to set up due to its severe waterborne disease burden, caused by annual flooding of the Tonle Sap River and poor hygiene and lack of awareness of the risk of drinking contaminated water.

We started to install clean water systems in villages, schools, health centres, and hospitals. However, we quickly realised that our greatest impact was through schools and health centres. Educating students about the benefits of clean water empowers younger generations to drive change, creating a ripple effect throughout the community.

Teachers play a crucial role in instilling discipline around the proper use and maintenance of these systems, ensuring long-term benefits and continuous education on clean water practices. When children drink clean water every day, and wash their hands, they become healthier and happier. They also spend more time at school.

In 2012 WAH set up a small factory and started to develop a bicycle-powered water pump system for schools, eliminating reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators. When the children cycle they pump the water up from the well and through an ultra-filtration filter, which takes virus and bacteria out of the water, and can provide around 400 litres of clean water per year.

In addition we build wash basins, attached to the clean water systems, and run hand washing and dental hygiene programs in the school playgrounds. We provide soap, tooth brushes, and tooth paste. Today, approximately 300 schools have access to clean water, leading to an 80% reduction in diarrhoea cases in schools.

We have installed a gravity flow system in all 49 health centres and 3 hospitals.  They require clean water for surgeries and patient care, significantly improving hygiene standards across the province.

Scaling Impact: Sustainable Partnerships (2013-2015)

In 2013, our initiative formally became a Cambodian NGO under the name Social Capital Venture. By 2016, it was rebranded as Water and Healthcare (WAH) Foundation to reflect our broader impact in both clean water and healthcare.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, contribution and dignity, we introduced a cost-sharing model for schools, where the school contributes the water filter, costing $250, towards the $2,000 total cost of the clean water system. This creates ownership, ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability.  This model also improves the dynamics of our relationships with local communities, where we discuss long term partnership, sustainability and benefits, rather than the often used model of giving without building a strong relationship and interaction with the local community.

Scaling Impact: Sustainable Partnerships (2013-2015)

In 2013, our initiative formally became a Cambodian NGO under the name Social Capital Venture. By 2016, it was rebranded as Water and Healthcare (WAH) Foundation to reflect our broader impact in both clean water and healthcare.

Recognizing the importance of community involvement, contribution and dignity, we introduced a cost-sharing model for schools, where the school contributes the water filter, costing $250, towards the $2,000 total cost of the clean water system. This creates ownership, ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability.  This model also improves the dynamics of our relationships with local communities, where we discuss long term partnership, sustainability and benefits, rather than the often used model of giving without building a strong relationship and interaction with the local community.

Eye Care and Surgical Interventions (2019-Present)

In 2019, we partnered with Tilganga Hospital, Nepal, and YPO Singapore to conduct cataract surgery missions. Over three missions, we restored eye sight to nearly 1,000 individuals. The immediate impact—allowing people to see their families, return to work, and regain independence—has been life-changing.

With support from the Singapore National Eye Centre, we now aim to develop the largest rural eye centre outside Phnom Penh, ensuring long-term accessibility to eye care services.

In 2023, we expanded our surgical efforts by partnering with Smile Cambodia for cleft palate surgeries, operating on 35 children. Plans are underway for additional surgical missions in partnership with SingHealth, targeting cleft palate and minor lumps and bumps removal.

Educational Initiatives (2017-Present)

In 2017, we launched a scholarship program for 32 underprivileged girls, enabling them to pursue degrees in English, agriculture, and accounting. All graduates are now employed, contributing to raise the living standards of their families and their local communities.

Building on this success, in 2025, we introduced an English language program for 450 primary school students in collaboration with Atlas Foundation. Using tablets and animated content, this initiative will enhance learning engagement. Additionally, a touch rugby program will be introduced to promote physical activity and teamwork.

Disaster Response and Public Health Programs (2019-Present)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly established a response centre at a local primary school, ensuring there were no fatalities in the community.

Other health initiatives include:

• De-worming and Dengue Control Programs: Reducing disease prevalence through preventive care.
• Pre- and Post-Natal Programs: Implemented in partnership with Mount Alvernia Hospital, enhancing maternal and infant health
• Pharmaceutical Training: Conducted with NUS Pharmacy to improve medication management at health centres.
• Health Centre CRM System: Developed with NUS students to streamline patient records and care delivery.      

WAH Foundation Today

With a dedicated team of 8 full-time and 2 part-time staff, led by Dr. Rany Poun (formerly with the Ministry of Health), WAH Foundation operates with minimal overhead costs. Our office space, provided free of charge by the Provincial Hospital in Kampong Chhnang, allows us to maximize funding for community projects.

In 2023, WAH Foundation and KKH received a government award for outstanding community service, recognising our long term impact.

Key Impact Achievements

• 90% Reduction in Maternal Mortality: Training and emergency response systems have drastically improved maternal health.
• 80% Reduction in Diarrhoea Cases: Clean water access, handwashing programs, and dental hygiene education have transformed school health.
• 1,000+ Cataract Surgeries: Life-changing vision restoration programs.
• 35+ Cleft Palate Surgeries: Expanding surgical care for underserved populations.
• 300+ Schools with Clean Water Systems: Sustainable filtration solutions benefiting thousands of children.
• 32 University Scholarships for Girls: Providing opportunities for higher education and economic empowerment.
• COVID-19 Response Centre: Zero deaths reported during the pandemic.
• Multiple Public Health Programs: Ranging from dengue prevention, de worming, pharmaceutical training and neonatal care.

Our Partners and Supporters

We are deeply grateful for the organisations that make our work possible:

• Marshall Foundation – Water systems and hygiene
• Silent Foundation – Medical training
• KKH Singapore – Midwife and paediatric training
• Mount Alvernia Hospital – Maternal and neonatal care
• SJII & HCI  schools – Water systems and English education
• NUS Pharmacy & SingHealth – Healthcare training and surgery
• Tilganga Hospital & YPO – Cataract surgeries and funding
• MTM Labo – water systems and cataract
• Atlas Foundation – English education and touch rugby programs
• YPO – Operations funding and cataract

Join Us in Making a Difference

Over the past 15 years, WAH Foundation has built a sustainable ecosystem in healthcare, clean water, and education in rural Cambodia. However, there is still much work to be done.

The interview questions: 

Back in your days living in Hong Kong, I met Cambodian Boun Chhay, who was a Cambodian businessman.  We became good friends and in 2006, became partners in a property business in Cambodia. During our travels around the countryside we became more and more aware of health issues in rural Cambodia, and in 2008 we decided to help the rural communities.

Tell us about the very start of the WAH Foundation?

Founding Vision (2008-2009)

The journey of Water and Healthcare (WAH) Foundation began in 2008, when I was traveling through Cambodia with my friend and business partner, Boun Chhay, to explore land development opportunities. During this time, we witnessed firsthand the dire living conditions in rural communities. Recognizing the urgent need for clean water and healthcare, we committed ourselves to making a tangible difference.

After six months of research and conversations with locals, we uncovered alarming statistics: 8% of children were not reaching their fifth birthday, and 60% of Cambodians lacked access to clean water. This realization solidified our mission—to provide rural communities with clean water.

Early Efforts and First Installations (2010-2012)

Being based in Singapore, we leveraged our networks to find cost-effective and sustainable water filtration solutions. Hyflux Singapore had developed an ultra-filtration water filter powered by gravity flow. With support from Olivia Lum, we secured a customized ultrafiltration system—the “Freeflow 60,” capable of producing 60 litres of clean water per hour.

In June 2010, we installed our first system at a school in Kampong Chhnang Province (KCP). KCP, with a population of 579,000, and 550 schools, 3 hospitals, and 49 health centres, was an ideal province to set up due to its severe waterborne disease burden, caused by annual flooding of the Tonle Sap River and poor hygiene and lack of awareness of the risk of drinking contaminated water.

We started to install clean water systems in villages, schools, health centres, and hospitals. However, we quickly realised that our greatest impact was through schools and health centres.

Educating students about the benefits of clean water empowers younger generations to drive change, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. Teachers play a crucial role in instilling discipline around the proper use and maintenance of these systems, ensuring long-term benefits and continuous education on clean water practices.

When children drink clean water every day and wash their hands, they become healthier and happier. They also spend more time at school. In 2012, WAH set up a small factory and started to develop a bicycle-powered water pump system for schools, eliminating reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators.

When the children cycle, they pump the water up from the well and through an ultra-filtration filter, which takes viruses and bacteria out of the water, and can provide around 400 litres of clean water per year.

In addition, we build wash basins, attached to the clean water systems, and run hand washing and dental hygiene programs in the school playgrounds. We provide soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Today, approximately 300 schools have access to clean water, leading to an 80% reduction in diarrhoea cases in schools.

We have installed a gravity flow system in all 49 health centres and 3 hospitals. They require clean water for surgeries and patient care, significantly improving hygiene standards across the province.

What are the major health consequences of not having access to clean water? 

When people drink unclean water they first get diarrhoea, and this leads to de-hydration, which can be lethal to children.  It is the de-hydration which can cause death.

What are the current statistics in Cambodia?

How has the WAH Foundation helped to demonstrate that the access to clean water can be drastically improved? 60% of Cambodians do not have access to clean water.  Up to 8% of children do not make their 5th birthday, mainly caused by drinking dirty water. By installing clean water systems in schools we have dropped the diarrhoea rate by around 80%. By installing clean water systems in health centres families and patients can have access to clean water and medical staff can use clean water for small operations.

How crucial has been the contribution of Hyflux in designing a filtration system which is adapted to Cambodia’s specific nature of the terrain?

Hyflux designed our first clean water filter, which we called the Free flow 60.  Hyflux was WAH’s first Singapore collaboration partner, followed shortly afterwards by KK women’s and children’s hospital for midwife and paediatric training.  

Putting in water systems involves months of work beforehand, from explaining to the teachers the benefits of clean water and good hygiene, to working out with them where to put it. Tell us more there?

Being based in Singapore, we leveraged our networks to find cost-effective and sustainable water filtration solutions. Hyflux Singapore had developed an ultra-filtration water filter powered by gravity flow. With support from Olivia Lum, we secured a customized ultrafiltration system—the “Freeflow 60,” capable of producing 60 litres of clean water per hour.

In June 2010, we installed our first system at a school in Kampong Chhnang Province (KCP). KCP, with a population of 579,000, and 550 schools, 3 hospitals, and 49 health centres, was an ideal province to set up due to its severe waterborne disease burden, caused by annual flooding of the Tonle Sap River and poor hygiene and lack of awareness of the risk of drinking contaminated water.

We started to install clean water systems in villages, schools, health centres, and hospitals. However, we quickly realised that our greatest impact was through schools and health centres. Educating students about the benefits of clean water empowers younger generations to drive change, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. Teachers play a crucial role in instilling discipline around the proper use and maintenance of these systems, ensuring long-term benefits and continuous education on clean water practices.

When children drink clean water every day, and wash their hands, they become healthier and happier.  They also spend more time at school. In 2012 WAH set up a small factory and started to develop a bicycle-powered water pump system for schools, eliminating reliance on expensive and polluting diesel generators.

When the children cycle they pump the water up from the well and through an ultra-filtration filter which takes virus and bacteria out of the water, and can provide around 400 litres of clean water per year. In addition we build wash basins, attached to the clean water systems, and run hand washing and dental hygiene programs in the school playgrounds.

We provide soap, tooth brushes, and tooth paste.  Today, approximately 300 schools have access to clean water, leading to an 80% reduction in diarrhoea cases in schools. We have installed a gravity flow system in all 49 health centres and 3 hospitals. They require clean water for surgeries and patient care, significantly improving hygiene standards across the province.

How access to clean water and education go hand in hand?

It is vital that rural communities understand why clean water is so vital to improving their health. Generation after generation of rural communities have drunk from the shallow wells which have bacteria and virus in the water supply.  They need to be educated that clean water is important to keep them healthy. In Cambodia when a child dies, the family often will not ask why, but will simply put the death down to being poor and unable to give their children enough support. They do not realise that a high percentage of deaths are caused by drinking unclean water.

How are you are also positively impacting on dental hygiene?

Brushing teeth is important to get rid of bacteria in the mouth, and this then improves gut health. Teaching children about the benefits of washing their hands and brushing their teeth makes a child much more likely to lead a healthy, and happy life. This education is carried out at schools in the playground, where we install the clean water system with integrated hand washing and dental hygiene facility.

Tell us more about the school children scholarship program and what support is needed there to maximize the enrollments?

Educational Initiatives (2017-Present)

In 2017, we launched a scholarship program for 32 underprivileged girls, enabling them to pursue degrees in English, agriculture, and accounting. All graduates are now employed, contributing to raise the living standards of their families and their local communities.

In 2023 we ran a primary school scholarship for 50 children at the local primary school in Kampong Chhnang, raising $120 for each child which paid for for 2 uniforms and pairs of shoes, books, and fees. Many families in Kampong Chhnang province do not have the ability to send their children to school.

Building on this success, in 2025, we introduced an English language program for 450 primary school students in collaboration with Atlas Foundation. Using tablets and animated content, this initiative will enhance learning engagement. Additionally, a touch rugby program will be introduced to promote physical activity and teamwork.

Team recruitment wise, what are currently your major challenges in Cambodia?

WAH Foundation Today

With a dedicated team of 8 full-time and 2 part-time staff, led by Dr. Rany Poun (formerly with the Ministry of Health), WAH Foundation operates with minimal overhead costs. Our office space, provided free of charge by the Provincial Hospital in Kampong Chhnang, allows us to maximize funding for community projects.

In 2023, WAH Foundation and KKH received a government award for outstanding community service, recognizing our long-term impact.

You have established a strong collaboration with Singapore’s highly respected KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) to train midwives in basic emergency procedures, subsequently training the best to train their peers. Tell us more there?

Advancing Maternal and Child Health (2013-Present)

While working with Kampong Chhnang Provincial Health Department (PHD) in 2010, we discovered a severe maternal mortality crisis. Many women were dying during childbirth due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), eclampsia, and poor hygiene, compounded by a lack of relevant medical training.

We partnered with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) in Singapore to establish a midwife training program. In 2014, KKH launched a “Train-the-Trainer” model, empowering the most talented midwives to educate other midwives. Within six years, maternal mortality dropped by over 90%, from around 14 deaths per year in 2013 to  0-1 mothers by 2020.

Our maternal health efforts extended to equipping health centres with emergency medical kits for childbirth complications. These kits are regularly replenished, ensuring rapid response capabilities.

Building on this success, we initiated paediatric training programs in 2015, further improving child health outcomes in the province.

Why is the WAH Foundation focusing on solely one province in Cambodia?

Kampong Chhnang province has a population of 579,000 people stretched over a very large area, with Tonle Sap running from North West to South East, often making traveling very arduous. 

There are 550 schools, 3 hospitals, and 49 health centres in Kampong Chhnang, and it is an ideal province to work due to its severe waterborne disease burden, caused by annual flooding of the Tonle Sap River and poor hygiene and lack of awareness of the risk of drinking contaminated water.

We still have a long way to go, having installed clean water systems in only around 320 of the 550 schools.  Our long term scaleability model is the make Kampong Chhnang a show case of good health, and prosperity which can be created through availability of clean water, good medical services and an improvement in education. 

We have created an ecosystem since 2008 which centres around healthier people who have access to clean water, a good health system, especially revolving around midwife, paediatric, and eye care. We scale by inviting neighbouring  provinces to come to training, and by offering them our cataract operations. One day we hope to take our model to the Government and to pass on our skillset to all the other 23 provinces in Cambodia. 

What is your most striking memory when promoting the WAH Foundation and explaining its objectives?

I have two striking memories, related to healthcare and the impact we have made on the ground. The first is a visit to a health centre with KKH the day after a midwife training program run by KKH, attended by 50 young midwives from the health centres in Kampong Chhnang. 

When we arrived, there was a young midwife crying in one of the rooms.  I immediately expected to be told that a mother had just died in childbirth. But i soon realised that the young midwife was crying with joy, because she had saved the life of a mother with eclampsia (high blood pressure). 

If she had not had the training the day before, she would not have been able to save the mother’s life.  This experience made me realise that we were making a big impact by giving the midwives the tools to be able to change and save lives. 

The second striking memory was of a Grandmother and granddaughter at our 2024 cataract mission at Kampong Chhnang provincial hospital. 

The girl had no parents, and was full time caregiver to her Grandmother, who was totally blind. The day after the cataract operation on both eyes, we took the patches off and the Grandmother straight away realised that she had 100% vision.

The Grandmother and her Granddaughter were crying with joy, now realising that the girl could go back to school and get a proper education, and the Grandmother could now go back to work, and live a normal life again! 

I have many stories over the years which have touched my heart, and these are just a few which have left me feeling that the work we do in Cambodia is giving many people living in rural areas the opportunity to live a full life, with good medical care, access to clean water and hygiene, and a decent education. 

Your favorite mantra that you live by?

Be kind

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