As a Jesuit collaborator, I have had a deeply fulfilling journey so far—one that has allowed me to live out the mission of bringing healthcare directly to our communities. Throughout my four years working as a General Practitioner at Centro Saúde Daniel Ornelas (CSDO) in Kasait, I have benefited immensely from both clinical capacity building and spiritual formation, which have helped me grow both professionally and personally.
Recently, my aspiration to serve better the Jesuit mission was deepened through the opportunity to represent CSDO/JSS at the 5-day Community Health Education (CHE) Regional Consultation Meeting (RCM) held in Denpasar, Bali, from May 4–9, 2026. Centered around the theme “Healing the Land, Healing the People,” this event brought together CHE representatives from across the globe, including 39 participants from 14 nations. I am incredibly grateful for this invaluable opportunity to connect with new colleagues, share experiences, and realize that while many of us face similar challenges, consistent dedication is what ultimately drives community transformation.
The meeting featured vibrant group discussions focusing on a holistic view of community well-being. Topics included healthy homes, mental health, trauma healing, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), food security, and environmental sustainability.
Photo: Dr. Eva in a green shirt looking at friend in a maroon outfits, in a group discussion with some of her fellow participants.
One of the topics that touched me the most was ‘Healthy Homes, Healthy Communities’, which shifted the focus from structural luxury to holistic well-being. In this perspective, a true home is defined by its environment and the emotional and spiritual harmony of a united family. Ultimately, health is not merely the absence of physical disease, but a balanced integration of the physical, mental, spiritual and social dimensions of life.
This training deeply reinforced how vital it is to integrate CHE principles into JSS projects before implementation. Doing so builds community ownership, empowers local volunteers, fosters creativity, and ensures long-term, independent development rather than short-term fixes.
As a doctor, this experience has renewed my commitment to prioritizing prevention over treatment. In Timor-Leste, we often find that communities demand immediate medicine but overlook health promotion, making disease prevention a major challenge. This training reminded us that health begins at home and within ourselves. True health is holistic—encompassing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual. By implementing simple, consistent actions, we can create a massive, positive impact and witness true transformation in the communities we serve.
Written by:
Dr. Eva de Jesus, General Practitioner (JSS-CSDO)