PPM laboratories and the NGO Helen Keller International in video-conference

The persons in charge in Cambodia of the NGO Helen Keller International [HKI] spoke by video conference during May with the supervision of the PPM laboratories with the aim of knowing more about our capacities and our production conditions. 

In search of an industrial partner to produce multivitamins, the NGO was referred to PPM by the Council for Rural and Agricultural Development of Cambodia who coordinated the organization of this meeting. The secretariat of this Council requested the cooperation of PPM within the framework of the national strategy on food security and nutrition, the objective of which is to eradicate malnutrition among pregnant women and children under 5 years old.

Today, HKI is providing iron supplementation free of charge to pregnant women through the Ministry of Health, but following WHO’s recommendations, this iron supplementation will be replaced by the distribution of multivitamins. At least ten vitamins must be integrated into this new product, a formulation mastered by PPM laboratories through Polyvit, a combination of 11 vitamins.

During this meeting, the managers of KHI were interested in our quality standards, our production capacities, our supply chain as well as our procedures with regards to the import taxes of raw materials. The composition of a new product under study intended to protect pregnant women from anemia will of course have to meet the recommendations of the World Health Organization.

“We are delighted to study this file with HKI, a leading NGO in Cambodia and around the world. At the PPM laboratories, we are always ready to put our know-how and our quality requirements at the service of initiatives of this nature which contribute to improving the health of our most disadvantaged fellow citizens ”, said Dr. Hay, President. PPM laboratories. The fight against malnutrition and anemia in low-income communities is at the forefront of the company’s societal commitments, which for example supports, alongside Danone, Danone Communities, and the NGO 1001 Fontaines, the distribution of Bobor Rong Roeung, a low-cost dietary supplement for children..

Present in Cambodia since 1995, HKI has two main areas of expertise: eye health and nutrition. Its eye health programs tackle the leading causes of blindness around the world and provide assistance to the blind and visually impaired. Its nutrition programs include vitamin A, iron/folate, multi-micronutrient supplementation, fortification of common foods, dietary diversification, community gardening, and more. Each year, Helen Keller International’s programs benefit millions of people in over 20 countries.