MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
A South Australian dentist is taking a leading role in establishing a new
dental health system for East Timor.
Dr Bob Von Doussa, from Adelaide University's Dental School, is leading a
team to strengthen the capacity of East Timor's Ministry of Health to provide a
national oral health program.
The program is based at Dili National Hospital and involves rehabilitating
dental infrastructure, strengthening service delivery, training the dental
workforce and promoting good oral health.
The project is funded by the Australian Government's overseas aid agency
AusAID and will run for three years at a cost of $5 million, if the first phase
of 18 months proves a success.
According to Hindmarsh MP and Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
Mrs Chris Gallus, the standard of oral health in East Timor is low with a high
incidence of gum disease and tooth decay.
'Most people outside the capital Dili have in the past had little or no
access to dental services,' Mrs Gallus said.
'In September, 1999, the situation worsened when clinics were burnt and
equipment destroyed in the violence following the vote for independence.
'At present the country has just two qualified dentists, one of whom is
studying and working in Adelaide with Dr Von Doussa, upgrading his skills'.
Mrs Gallus said there had been a number of developments since the Oral Health
Program began last September:
- An oral health survey has been conducted around the country by East
Timorese dental nurses (therapists) under the direction of the Australian
Research Centre for Population Oral Health at the University of Adelaide to
identify areas of greatest need. This information has formed the basis of the
oral health strategy. - A team of dental nurses has been trained in established methods of
delivering pain relief. - Training of more dental nurses will be conducted over the coming
months. - Basic dental equipment is being bought that can function without a regular
electricity supply and doesn't need extensive maintenance. - An education campaign has begun to highlight the importance of prevention
in oral health. - Dental clinics are being rebuilt with funding from AusAID and the World
Bank.
Mrs Gallus said the project was an important part of the Australian
Government's larger commitment to health services in East Timor, which also
includes a visiting specialists program, HIV/AIDS project, a psychosocial
recovery project, ambulances and advisory service and the purchase of medical
equipment.
'It highlights the valuable contribution the South Australian health
profession is making to health services in developing countries,' she said.
Mrs Gallus, Dr Bob Von Doussa and Dr Fernando Jong from East Timor are
available for interview.
Contacts: Craig Bildstien (Office of Mrs Gallus) 0407 604 437
Dr Bob Von Doussa on (08) 83033074