HIAM Health derives from the acronym of our tagline in Tetun, Hamutuk Ita Ajuda Malu. In English, it says “Together we help each other”. Because only together, can we eradicate the misery of malnutrition. And in local culture, the two hands with palms up in our logo means “my hands are free and ready to serve you”.

Who We Are

A cornerstone of community empowerment, HIAM Health educates and leads Timorese to eat healthy and live well. A local NGO established in 2003 with focus on empowering women and rehabilitating children, HIAM Health is a vital voice in Timor-Leste’s fight against malnutrition.

We believe in a country free from malnutrition. Our goal is to reduce the unacceptably high rate of malnutrition in Timor-Leste sustainably through education and sound horticulture practise. Our focus includes educating mothers so there will not be another malnourished child in Timor Leste. Enabling this environment through nutrition sensitive gardens, good health and sanitation practise, cultivation of the superfood Moringa and livelihood development.

Where We Stand

Currently in Timor Leste, 58% of children under age 5 are stunted, 19% of children under age 5 are wasted, and 45% of children under age 5 are underweight. With 200,000 children in this age group, this translates to 25% of Timor-Leste's population. An alarming reality.

We envisioned an inpatient rehabilitation centre to give young lives a fighting chance. A haven of hope that doubles up as a school for mothers to learn child-rearing practices and nutritional know-how.

In 2009, we shifted to our very own Malnutrition Rehabilitation and Education Centre (MR&EC) after being based in the grounds of the Dili National Hospital for six years. Since then, our rehabilitation and education programs have steadily helped children get healthy, and mothers have been equipped with preventative strategies to break the malnutrition cycle.

Three months after a child is discharged, we conduct follow-up home visits. With an 80% success rate of a child sustaining or gaining weight, we believe educating mothers in our food and nutrition workshops is the sustainable way forward for a healthy nation.

To combat malnutrition, we have developed a unique program delivered to mothers by their peers in a “hands on” approach. As a residential in-patient facility, we conduct intensive 30-day training and skills development programs for mothers while they are at the MR&EC.

To ignite a total nutritional revolution, we regularly teach communities across Timor-Leste to implement home or community gardens. By equipping Timorese with practical agricultural knowledge, we empower them to become agents of sustainable change.

More than just a feeding centre, the MR&EC is a teaching centre for sustainable good. Our multi-layered outreach programs focus on changing mindsets and behaviours for proper nutrition for life. Taught by locals for locals, we are able to establish rapport and effectively address the cultural beliefs and local food taboos that prevent good nutrition.