A two-year project to develop new facilities for a specialised healthcare clinic in Timor-Leste is nearing completion.
The clinic is operated by our project partners—the Congregation of the Imitation of Jesus (CIJ) Sisters—an Indonesian order founded in 1935.
Since 1989, The CIJ Sisters have been providing general healthcare and specialised medical services for communities in Baucau, including those affected by leprosy.
Despite efforts to eliminate this often-stigmatised, infectious disease, leprosy remains a significant public health issue in Timor-Leste.
In 2014, the CIJ Sisters appealed to Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) for support to help them develop a new clinic because the ever-expanding local parish could no longer accommodate it. The CIJs also requested support to build a new convent as their existing residence is no longer available to them.
As populations throughout Timor-Leste continue to grow, living conditions in regional centres, like Baucau, are becoming increasingly crowded.
And without adequate healthcare, and better awareness of hygiene and nutrition practices, the risk that diseases, like leprosy, will become more widespread is high.
In the past year, the CIJ Sisters have treated nearly 2,000 Timorese patients. 14 patients, including one child, have been diagnosed with leprosy.
Clinic patients are screened, diagnosed, and provided treatment and medication. A small number of patients—currently three—are accommodated at the centre.
Twice a month, the sisters visit a school and village in Baucau, usually meeting more than 25 families at a time.
Local families hold the CIJ Sisters in very high esteem. They are known for living simply, working with great dedication, and providing a highly-valued service within their local communities.
We are pleased to report that the new clinic building (pictured) is finished and the CIJs will soon be able to continue their operations in a secure, purpose-built facility.
The CIJ’s new residential building is in its final stages and both buildings will be formally opened and blessed in late October.
The AMS team is grateful for the support of our Australian donors and the CIJ Sisters for making this partnership such a success for the communities we strive to serve.
Please visit our website to find out how your support is giving our overseas partners the opportunity to improve living standards in the communities where they work.