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Background
On May 20th 2002 Timor-Leste became the world’s newest nation, following a three-year United Nations-led transition period, 24 years of brutal Indonesian occupation and 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule.
However, independence was achieved at a cost. A devastated infrastructure followed the conflict, whilst political instability hindered reconstruction of the physical environment, development of the economy, employment, health care and other essential services; rending Timor-Leste Asia’s poorest nation and one of the world’s least developed countries.
Health care and nutrition are primary concerns. Malnutrition is widespread, with high rates of infant and child mortality. During the Indonesian dominance, agriculture in Timor suffered greatly through deliberate importation of many basic, foods at cheaper rates.
The WFP (World Food Programme) in 2006 stated that:
Approximately 20% (213,000) of the population is food insecureA further 23% (244,000) is highly vulnerable to becoming food insecureAbout 46% of children under 5 are stunted or too short for their age57% of under 5s are severely underweight
In addition to this, the need for aid is intensified due to many aid organisations leaving the area as a result of security deterioration. Aid not only saves lives and alleviates suffering; it also helps to preserve some social stability which is a prerequisite for democracy and security.
HART and Hiam Health
HART supports the life-saving malnutrition programmes run by our inspirational partners at Hiam Health. Hiam Health, a non-governmental organisation was established with the purpose of giving support to patients at Dili National Hospital. In particular, Hiam Health offers support for those in extreme poverty who have no other means of support whilst they are in hospital follow up care of babies and children who suffer from malnutrition. This is done primarily by offering support, education and counselling services to their parents and carers, particularly in preventative intervention methods.
In addition to the general provision of food supplies to starving villagers in Timor-Leste, HART supports nutritional and health education.
HART and the Atauro Island Project
Atauro Island is a sub-district of the Dili district, situated approximately 25km from mainland Timor-Leste. It has a land mass of approximately 105km² (25 x 9km). Atauro is a mountainous island with poor infrastructure; seasonal rains and challenging terrain.
Consequently, health services have been historically weak on the island due primarily to limited access. Some villages can only be reached by canoe when the sea is calm.
Fresh water is in short supply upon the island with many villagers needing to walk 2-3 hours to receive their daily ration of 5lt per household.
 In February 2008 HIAM-Health through assisted funding from HART and in conjunction with the WFP have supplied and transported to the island 50 metric ton of the fortified food supplement CSB (Corn Soy Blend). Between March and December 2008 HIAM Health visited Atauro 17 times with each trip lasting a period of 8 days. The first visit aiming at setting up the programme whilst the following visits focused on distribution and monitoring.
During this period HIAM have provided supplementary feeding to approximately 2000 women and children. In addition HIAM are currently feeding every infant on the island between 6-23 months regardless of their weight.
“Combining this with supplementary feeding of pregnant and lactating mothers, we will not only eradicate malnutrition but reduce maternal deaths. Also by supplementary feeding all infants under the age of 2 years we completely eliminate the incidence of mental and physical impediment that occurs in this age group as a result of malnutrition”
Foliman ba Malu Ajuda Ema Kiak - Hiam-Health. December 2008
Financial Facts and Figures
In 2008 (Figures sourced on 15th November 2008) HART spent: £10,000 on the projects in Timor-Leste.
HART, Timor-Leste and the Future
HART is seeking financial support to enable:
Continuation of the malnutrition and education programme of Atauro Island. This is expected to cost $10,000 in 2009Construction of the chapel at the newly externally funded Malnutrition, Rehabilitation and Education HIAM-Health centre. The chapel will act as a spiritual resource to provide holistic care and will cost approximately $8,000
This centre is important as infants are sometimes discharged from the Dili National hospital prematurely due to shortages in beds. Residence at the centre will enable staff to educate parents and families in nutritional principles and practices before the infants return to their villages. It is hoped local people will become the teachers of their neighbours.
Alongside the child care and parental teaching, an important element will be a kitchen and kitchen garden to encourage education and a more efficient cultivation of the land.
The end result, it is hoped, will be families returning to their communities with children restored to health and parents becoming knowledge sharers for their family and friends.
HART received this card from our Partner in East Timor who works with HIAM-Health. Wonderful work is achieved by HIAM-Health each day against incredible odds. Thank you for making this possible.
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