Medical Mission Trips to Timor-Leste
Hello! I’m Christel Chue, a proud graduate from the 5th batch of the MSc Audiology program.
As a relatively fresh audiologist, I’ve been incredibly blessed to participate in medical mission trips to Timor-Leste in both 2023 and 2024. These experiences have deeply shaped my perspective on audiology and healthcare.
The primary aim of our mission is healthcare capacity development, focusing not just on providing temporary medical services but on training healthcare professionals in the region. The goal is to empower local staff to continue the work long after our team has returned home, allowing them to address the needs of their own communities.
During our time at Maliana General Hospital, the challenges were apparent. The hospital was smaller than what we’re accustomed to in Singapore, with limited medical equipment, no ENT doctor, and no dedicated audiology facilities. Still, news of our arrival spread quickly, and the clinic was packed with patients on the very first day. We treated a wide range of cases, from perforated eardrums and discharging ears to more complex syndromic cases. It was a humbling experience to work within such constraints, yet it reinforced the significance of our mission.
One encounter that has stayed with me was a 12-year-old boy I met on my first trip. He had been fitted with a hearing aid the previous year but threw it away because the new sounds overwhelmed him. This case reminded me of the critical need for ongoing support and intervention, especially for children, to ensure they receive appropriate care and follow-up services.
This year, I returned to Timor-Leste with the same heart of servitude. We fitted many patients with hearing aids once again, including a memorable encounter with an elderly man. His joy upon hearing clearly for the first time in years moved me deeply. He thanked us profusely and went around the clinic shaking hands with every member of the team, showing how something as simple as restoring hearing can change lives.
One surprising observation was the sheer number of patients suffering from ear infections, ear perforations, and chronic ear conditions. This was more than I had ever seen both as a student and in my current clinical practice. The high prevalence is likely linked to poor sanitation and the lack of ENT specialists and proper treatment available in the region. It highlighted the dire need for improved healthcare services and ongoing medical support in these communities.
In addition to the clinical work at Maliana General Hospital, I had the wonderful opportunity to conduct an educational program for about 40 Timorese students. The goal was to teach them about the importance of sound, as well as promote best practices for maintaining good ear and personal hygiene. We covered topics like basic ear anatomy and red flags to watch out for, such as symptoms of ear infections. The children were engaged, and it was a fun and interactive experience. This initiative also aimed at empowering hospital staff by equipping them with knowledge to implement similar programs in schools, ensuring long-term sustainability in promoting ear health among the younger generation.
Amidst the many challenges faced, there were also moments of profound impact. Over the course of one week, our team saw hundred over patients, providing much-needed care and support to the Timorese community. As a relatively new audiologist, this experience allowed me to learn valuable lessons while working alongside an ENT doctor and other audiologists with years of experience. The diverse spectrum of cases we encountered in just one week was unlike anything I had witnessed in Singapore, reinforcing the importance of our work and the impact it can have on the lives of those we serve. These trips have not only enhanced my skills as an audiologist but have also opened my eyes to the greater purpose of healthcare—building capacity, spreading hope, and making a lasting impact.
