Salesian sisters run the Maria Auxiliadora Medical Clinic 

(MissionNewswire) The Maria Auxiliadora Medical Clinic, operated by Salesian sisters, is the only facility to provide medical care to patients living in villages in the Venilale district in Timor-Leste. The clinic provides medical care for those who otherwise would not receive any. Patients are treated for common ailments such as malaria, tuberculosis, asthma and pneumonia, with a focus on care for mothers and children.

Because a high percentage of the population lives in conditions of poverty and experiences food shortages, access to the Salesian clinic is an important alternative to a costly hospital visit. The clinic also promotes health education classes in local schools and nearby villages, while the mobile medical clinic serves remote villages by conducting health checks.

Sister Carolina, who operates the clinic, said, “It has been particularly concerning this year as the focus shifted to the pandemic with attention to other medical issues being neglected. We ensured that the clinic remained open so that we could continue conducting health checks and education on COVID-19.”

“Salesian sisters provide vital programming for women and children in these villages,” said Father Gus Baek, director of Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. “Being an integral part of the communities in which they work, the sisters are aware of local needs firsthand and are then able to develop programs to directly address those needs.”

Salesian missionaries and Salesian sisters living and working in Timor-Leste operate educational programs, three orphanages for poor and homeless youth, and a medical clinic. In the wake of the devastating civil war that claimed countless lives, decimated entire communities and resulted in living conditions that are among the worst in the world, the Salesian community has been providing programs to help residents rebuild. Efforts are focused on helping poor youth through education and providing new opportunities for the future.

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Sources:

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Annual Report 2021

Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund

Salesians of Don Bosco Indonesia-Timor Leste

Salesian Missions – Timor-Leste

World Bank – East Timor/Timor-Leste