East Timor also known as Timor-Leste’ is a country in Southeast Asia located about 640 km northwest of Darwin, Australia. Due to many years of political unrest and a long independence struggle with Indonesia, East Timor is continuing to rebuild its infrastructure and economy.

Leprosy is still prevalent in East Timor and the Leprosy Mission has been working in the country since 1991-1998, but ceased after this time due to political strife. In 2004 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health, and the Leprosy Mission has been able to establish Community Based Rehabilitation clinics with nearly 20 staff spread between two projects.

The Staff at TLM are working with about 600 clients in three districts of East Timor. They have continued to train in rehabilitation while also putting their skills to good use. A Disabled People’s Organisation has been formed in Dili and has raised awareness of the needs of the disabled during the elections. Leprosy and disability-awareness activities have been undertaken in churches and schools.
 

The new Leprosy Mission Country Leader for East Timor is Natalie Smith who is from Australia. Natalie has worked many years already on the field in countries including Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Nepal; as well as contributing to a number of refugee health projects in Melbourne, Australia.

If you would like to contribute to the work of the Leprosy Mission in East Timor and see the continued work of these important projects, please click here....