AAI focuses on the island of Atauro

Australian Aid International (AAI) - 17 Sep 2007
As part of AAI's Rural Healthcare Project on Timor-Leste operations have now focused on the remote Island of Ataruo just off Dili.

Used by the Portuguese as a prison island from as early as 1520, housing criminals and political prisoners banished from Portuguese colonies the Timorese district of Atauro is separated from the rest of Timor Leste by 30km of an often ferocious ocean. Descendents of these prisoners over time have integrated with the indigenous population and still live on Atauro today. With a local Ferry visiting only weekly, the population of approximately 8000 are very isolated from the rest of Timor Leste.

The island is divided into five sub districts Biquely, Beloi, Vila , Maquili and the most populated Makadade. The average age of the population stands at nineteen with 41.5% under the age of fourteen. With one central health centre and only two of the four health posts open and operational, health care is a major concern on the island. According to recent data collection from the Central Health Centers' Director, Mr Lucus, leprosy and tuberculosis numbers have increased and under five, childhood morbidity and mortality remains a crucial problem.

Working with the Ministry of Health, Mr Lucus and Bario Pitte Clinic, Australian Aid International has commenced preliminary assessments of the island to determine needs and the vulnerability status of the sub districts.

Goal

Improve the level of healthcare to the Atauro population by providing essential health services, up skilling local staff and empowering the local community.

Purpose

Increase access to quality health care for the most isolated and vulnerable beneficiaries in the Atauro District.

1: Outreach clinic support

Provide access to healthcare for the most vulnerable and remote communities and high risk areas with the highest morbidity and mortality.

Assist in the provision of direct clinical services, as needed, to fill gaps in health care. Strengthen referral and pathology systems, and communicable disease control data collection as per MOH Standards.

2: Up Skilling, educating and mentoring of Local Health Staff.

Up skill health staff at the health facilities in Atauro sub district in line with the MOH standards and guidelines.

Strengthening of communicable disease control, detection and prevention while strengthen information system.

3: Build, strengthen, sustain and empower institutional, community and human resource capabilities.

Increase knowledge and awareness of major health concerns specific to Atauro, and access to health information through community based teaching.

Increase health facility utilization by those sub-populations most at risk; children under 5 and women of child-bearing age.

Involve communities in preventative and environmental health programs. Ensure primary health facilities are equipped and adequately supplied for appropriate function in accordance with MOH standards.