Momentus day for Maluk Timor and the MOH

On Wednesday afternoon, 11th September, 2019, our local NGO Maluk Timor has formalised its relationship with the Ministry of Health through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. Vice Minister of Strategic Development in Health and Interim Minister of Health, Sr. Bonifácio Maucoli dos Reis signed the MoU together with Dr Jeremy Beckett, Maluk Timor’s in-country director, at a ceremony at Palácio das Cinzas in Caicoli.

The MoU outlines Maluk Timor’s commitment to support the Ministry of Health in putting an end to preventable death and disease and promoting lifelong wellbeing in Timor-Leste.

“We recognise the extraordinary progress that has already been made,” explained Dr Beckett, “and we’re delighted to be working together with the Ministry of Health to extend these gains and advance the quality of health care nationally.”

Maluk Timor employs fifty Timorese health staff who work alongside twelve international volunteers, mostly doctors and nurses. From their headquarters in Comoro this team delivers a range of health projects designed to strengthen the primary health care system of Timor-Leste enabling it to effectively and sustainably tackle the country’s major health challenges.


Our very excited team

“We’ve been given the opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with local doctors, nurses, midwives and other health staff, viewing the challenges from their perspective and then working together to find local solutions,” Dr Beckett said after the signing.

The MoU outlines key objectives in a number of health domains including tuberculosis, HIV care, oral health and clinical training. Each project emphasises training, mentoring and support for government-employed health workers to deliver quality care within their own hospitals and health centres.

“We all look forward to a bright future in health for Timor-Leste and we’re very thankful to our faithful donors and partners who make it possible for us to make a difference.”


The official photo

Maluk Timor is supported by a counterpart NGO named Maluk Timor Australia with funds raised from private donors or partnerships.

 

Help us do even more

Even though healthcare in Timor-Leste has improved, there is still so much more to do.  

A small amount of money goes a long way with the per person health budget less than US$100 per year. 

$24

Covers the cost of petrol for a month so a healthcare worker can provide home visits around Dili.

$58 p/month

in 12 months

Covers the cost of running a nutrition referral project in one community healthcare centre.

$650 p/month

Covers the full cost to employ a nurse who can help deliver our programs.