Forward Focus

A major goal in 2020 for the Order of Malta’s Clinic in Dili, Timor-Leste, is to increase capabilities in radiology and pathology and offer an expanded service to expatriates in Timor-Leste, as well as corporate clients.

Significant progress has been made with the operations and finance of the Order of Malta’s Clinic in Dili, Timor-Leste. A s members and supporters of the Order The Order’s primary mission is to do all we will know, the Clinic in Dili, Timor-Leste can to make any impact on this figure, with our is focused on maternal and infant health Clinic located in the poorest part of the capital city. care, particularly on nutrition. The United Nations All care is free to the Timorese, and our service is Children’s Fund reports the under-five mortality supported purely by philanthropy. rate in Timor at 45.8 per 1000 live births, which is a The good news is that we have received stark statistic if we compare it to only 3.7 per 1000 generous funding in recent months. This comes live births in Australia. from the Order’s Global Fund for Forgotten People,

the Emerge Foundation through the auspices of the Australian Catholic University, and from the Australian and Singaporean Associations of the Order. A number of individual members also kindly donated in the lead-up to last Christmas. We remain indebted to Timor Plaza and the Jape family, who provide the Clinic facilities rent-free.

At the same time, we have made progress in our relationship with the Timorese Government, who have asked among other things that the Order consider pioneering palliative care in Timor-Leste. This is an important opportunity, as diagnoses of life-threatening illnesses tend to occur late, and there is effectively no existing palliative care system. However, like any new initiatives of the Clinic, it will require increased funding. We are interested in speaking with any members or supporters who would like to finance this program.

Beyond that, a number of supply-chain challenges, particularly with infant nutrition supplements, have been addressed.

A major goal for the Clinic in 2020 is to increase its capabilities, particularly in radiology and pathology and offer an expanded service to expatriates in Timor-Leste, as well as corporate clients. This would be a fee-earning activity, which would allow us to expand the Clinic’s services beyond the walls and reach out to the poor and the sick in their homes and communities.

As well as the technology, this also requires employment of dedicated new medical and nursing staff, so that we are not taking away services from the poor.

All members and supporters are encouraged to make annual commitments to the Clinic. If anyone can suggest other funding opportunities, we’re keen to hear about them.

For any information or questions, please contact Alastair Furnival KMG.