Together we help each other
Malnutrition amongst infants and children is a major issue in
Timor-Leste.
The Ministry of Health's 2008-2012 Health Sector Strategic Plan
stated "so serious is the situation, that malnutrition is estimated
to contribute to over half of all under five deaths in neonatal,
under one and under five age groups."
Hamutuk ita ajuda malu -
Together we help each other
Since 2004, HIAM-Health (Hamutuk Ita Ajuda Malu - Together we
help each other) has worked to respond to these issues by providing
rehabilitation, preventative strategies and training programs,
services and initiatives for the families and communities of
Timor-Leste. Operating out of Dili National Hospital, HIAM was
established through the initiative and commitment of Director
Rosaria Martins da Cruz.
With overwhelming support from Australian and AVI volunteer Jill
Hillary and staff, Rosaria has worked tirelessly to achieve the
organisation's vision to empower Timorese people to work together
to reduce high infant and maternal mortality rates.
The following captures the journey of an organisation that has
embraced the support of global partnerships so it can work with the
families of Timor-Leste to address maternal health issues.
2004
Funding support from organisations including Australian Rotary
Club of Mandurah City in Western Australia, USAID, HART (UK) and
the Humpty Dumpty Foundation via the Alola Foundation assists HIAM
to establish and staff an office, Health Education Centre and
children's play area on the grounds of Dili National Hospital
(DNH).
2005
HIAM work with AVI to recruit volunteer Organisational Health
Trainer Jill Hillary to work with the HIAM team to support the
growth, funding, training and development needs of the organisation
and its services.
The Supplementary Feeding Program starts. The program feeds
malnourished infants and children in the Manatutu District.
Outreach services to clinics in Dili's six sub-districts,
patient transport and a mobile health promotions unit become a
reality with the donation of a four-wheel drive.
A donation from Seattle East Timor Relief Association (SETRA)
sets in motion the plans to establish a household / kitchen garden
for teaching purposes.
During 2005, HIAM experiences rapid expansion and at any given
time can be treating up to 800 malnourished infants and children
and supporting their families.
2006
AVI recruits volunteer Nutritionist Deborah Wilson and Health
and Nutrition Trainer Tanya Wells-Brown. They work with HIAM staff
and assist with health promotion programs and the production of a
recipe / menu booklet to promote healthy food for small children.
The booklet is made possible through a British Embassy Grant
(Timor- Leste).
2007
One thousand copies of the recipe booklet printed and
distributed nationally with support from the Ministry of Health,
UNICEF, WHO, Care, Oxfam, Concern and GTZ.
UNICEF funds the distribution of a further 10,000 copies of the
booklet.
A memorandum of understanding with the World Food Programme
(WFP) supplies HIAM with the food supplement needed for the growth
monitoring and feeding programs for malnourished infants and
children.
HIAM begin outreach services on Atauro Island. HIAM staff
service Atauro every three weeks for eight days, circumnavigating
the island by boat then by four-wheel drive to remote areas.
AVI Australian Partner Organisation, Australian Foundation for
the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific, provide resources and support
for Jill Hillary's volunteer placement.
2008
Friends of HIAM-Health is started in Perth to support the work
of the organisation.
In October, construction begins on HIAM's new Malnutrition
Rehabilitation and Education Centre (MREC) in Dili. The Centre
includes a home kitchen garden to train familes, parents and
caregivers in nutrition and household gardening; a training centre
for village health workers; an in-patient facility for
rehabilitation of malnourished children; an area for workshops and
interactive learning for families; and accommodation for overseas
volunteers.
2009
On 5 November, MREC opens. Donors and supporters involved in
establishing the Centre celebrate the opening with HIAM staff.
AusAID provides further funding to run the kitchen garden. A
husband and wife volunteer team from Perth deliver
horticultural/permaculture and English language training to staff,
while an Australian Occupational Therapist and Dietician assist
with a staff training program.
AVI recruits Community Health Educator Gabi Curwood to assist
with training Timorese nurses working at the Centre.
2010
HIAM-Health staff, donors and supporters continue to work
towards a healthy future for the communities of Timor-Leste.
Find out more about HIAM-Health at www.hiamhealth.org