The official opening of the new Malabe clinic by Cooperativa Café Timor (CCT) was marked by a community-wide celebration. More than one hundred residents arrived in full traditional dress, and representatives from Timor-Leste's government and USAID also attended. The clinic replaces CCT's weekly mobile service and is the first permanent health facility for the community in this highland area, three hours south of Dili, the capital.

At the new facility, residents will be able to visit two general nurses and a midwife. A doctor and a laboratory technician will also make scheduled visits every week. The opening of the clinic means that, for the first time, Malabe's community

now has access to medicines and basic medical procedures and tests, antenatal care and birthing services, nutrition education for children under five, and immunizations. Such services are vital in a country with low life expectancy and very high infant and maternal mortality rates.

The new clinic is part of a CCT network that provides health care to more than 15% of Timor-Leste's population, mainly in the country's coffee-growing areas. Originally envisaged as a service for CCT's 20,000 farm family members, the clinics expanded their role after the 1999 separation from Indonesia and are open to everyone, complementing the government clinic network in other areas of the country. The CCT service is independent, but works closely with the government on special programs and health initiatives. One more CCT clinic is under construction. A further expansion into dental care is also planned.

CCT's health services are supported by USAID through its partnership with the National Cooperative Business Association, which helps CCT manage its rapidly diversifying range of activities. Such support helps strengthen the agricultural sector and improves the health of Timor-Leste's citizens.

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