In Timor-Leste, one of the world’s youngest and most impoverished nations, childhood malnutrition is a critical public health challenge. It significantly impairs both the physical and cognitive development of many children, contributing to long-term health disparities. At the forefront of combating this issue is the Order of Malta Medical Clinic in Dili, which plays a pivotal role in improving child health and nutrition across the country.

Nearly 50% of children under five in Timor-Leste suffer from chronic malnutrition. On average, the clinic sees 115 patients per month with malnutrition-related conditions, over half of whom are children aged 6 to 59 months.

Comprehensive Nutrition Programs

The Order of Malta Medical Clinic has adopted a multifaceted approach to combat malnutrition, focusing on both immediate relief and sustainable long-term solutions. Key initiatives include:

• Nutritional education through cooking demonstrations to teach local families how to prepare balanced, nutrient-rich meals.
• Growth monitoring and regular check-ups to assess children’s development and intervene early.
• Referral services for severe cases of malnutrition to community health centers for advanced care.

These efforts are complemented by the provision of fortified foods and nutritional supplements to ensure children receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

Mobile Outreach and Maternal Education

To reach families in remote and rural areas, the Order of Malta’s mobile health outreach program delivers critical health services to communities with limited access to healthcare. These services include nutritional support, regular health check-ups, and health education.

Equally important is the focus on maternal health education. Empowering mothers with the knowledge of proper infant feeding practices—such as the importance of breastfeeding and the timely introduction of complementary foods—is central to reducing malnutrition rates. Workshops often integrate prenatal and postnatal care, creating a holistic approach to child health that benefits both mothers and children.

Case Study: Sancha

In December 2023, 4 year old Sancha was diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). At that time, she weighed 9kg and had a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of 11.4 cm, indicating severe undernutrition.

Her treatment at the Order of Malta Medical Clinic followed a comprehensive protocol, which included:

• Vitamin A (200,000 IU)
• Folic acid (5 mg)
• Albendazole (200 mg)
• Plumpy’Nut and multivitamins
• Monthly follow-up monitoring

While Sancha initially showed some improvement, by November 2024, her weight remained stagnant at 9 kg, despite height gain. This prompted a referral to CHC Comoro for further treatment under the Ministry of Health’s standardized SAM management.

A significant turning point occurred in mid-2025, when Sancha’s caregiver was enrolled in the Clinic’s Nutrition Program. This program included monthly cooking demonstrations and practical nutrition education. The integration of clinical care with community-based nutrition education contributed to a rapid and sustained recovery.

By August 2025, Sancha’s MUAC had increased to 13.5 cm, removing her from the moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) category. By September 2025, her weight had stabilized at 11 kg.

This case underscores the effectiveness of combining clinical screening, referrals, and community-based nutrition education in building long-term resilience to childhood malnutrition.

A Commitment to Free, Accessible Healthcare

Most importantly, all services provided to Sancha and her family were free of charge. The Order of Malta Clinic remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that even the most disadvantaged Timorese communities have access to vital healthcare services. While cases like Sancha’s are not uncommon, early intervention through medical care and nutrition education can prevent long-term health complications.

Making a Difference

Through its comprehensive approach, the Order of Malta is making significant strides in the fight against childhood malnutrition in Timor-Leste. These efforts are not only helping children like Sancha recover but are also building a foundation for long-term health resilience in communities across the nation. Despite the challenges that remain, the Order’s ongoing commitment to providing both health services and education continues to make a meaningful impact in improving the lives of children and families.

The Order of Malta Medical Clinic in Dili offers free basic primary out of hospital medical care and health education to financially disadvantaged Timorese. It also provides an outreach service, ensuring remote villages can benefit from medical care and advice. Each year these services benefit thousands of Timorese .

The Order of Malta Medical Clinic in Timor-Leste is entirely funded by donations.

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