In the small community of Fatuglana, located in Kasait, Liquiça, Centro Saúde Daniel Ornelas (CSDO) has been a steadfast presence since 2013, when Fr. Bong, SJ first led the clinic’s outreach efforts.
For over a decade, CSDO’s mobile clinic has continued its mission of serving families across Kasait and Ulmera. The team visits local communities every Friday—twice a month in Fatuglana and twice in Mane-Muno—bringing essential healthcare services to areas that otherwise have limited access.
But their visits offer more than just medical care; they bring hope.
Fatuglana is home to around 50 households, including many students, children, and elderly residents. Most of the population are young people, reflecting the vibrant yet vulnerable makeup of this rural community.
Among the regular patients are Francelina dos Santos and Julia dos Santos, both mothers who shared how the CSDO mobile clinic has made a real difference in their lives.
“The mobile clinic is unlike any other,” said Francelina. “When we come for consultation, we always receive the right medicine for our illness. After taking it, I feel better and recover quickly.”
Challenges in Health and Nutrition
Georgina, a CSDO nurse who has been part of the mobile clinic for five years, noted that respiratory infections (Infecção Respiratória Aguda) are among the most common conditions treated in the area.
“During our visits, I observed that many people come regularly for consultations,” Georgina explained. “However, most of them have limited access to nutritious food and clean water, which weakens their immune system and increases their risk for contracting a disease.”
The community relies on river water for daily use, which often contributes to health problems.
“We fetch water from the river for cooking and drinking,” said Francelina. “That’s probably why many of us get cough – it’s not clean, and the dust and wind make it worse.”
Beyond Treatment: Promoting Health Awareness
CSDO’s mission extends beyond medical treatment. During each visit, the team also conducts health promotion sessions, shares essential information about disease prevention, hygiene, and nutrition to empower the community with knowledge for healthier living.
Julia, another regular patient, expressed her appreciation for the clinic’s support network:
“CSDO has a good connection with the National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV). When we need more complete check-ups, they help us and accompany us there.”
Both Julia and Francelina expressed a shared hope for the future:
“We are grateful for the CSDO team. We hope they continue visiting us, because their presence helps us care for our health and learn how to prevent diseases.”
Written by: Iriana Soares, ETR Communications Officer