Monday 24 November 2008

Caritas Australia has applauded Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to the Mercy Family Health Centre in Cerro Candela, Peru, citing the significance of the PM urging us all to remember the most vulnerable as we enter into the current financial crisis.

Caritas’s Latin America Program Coordinator Sr. Margaret Fyfe said the PM’s visit to the ailing community was a chance for the world to see what two faith based organizations were doing to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in a community plagued with socio-economic problems.

"In Cerro Candela, Caritas Australia is helping to provide health care where none would otherwise exist though ongoing support for the training of health promoters and a nutrition program for children in the high risk category of malnutrition in the local creche run by The Sisters of Mercy of Australia," said Sr Fyfe.

"While outcomes are being achieved in the community consistent with the MDG’s there is much more that needs to be done to combat the high incidence of Tuberculosis and respiratory diseases.

"The PM’s commitment to provide an X-ray machine, centrifuges, fetal heart monitors and other health related equipment will provide a wonderful boost to both medical outcomes and morale and we are all extremely grateful for these life saving measures," said Sr Fyfe.

Sr Joan Doyle from the Mercy Sisters in Cerro Candela said their preventive health plan was showing positive signs throughout the community with local doctors reporting an increase in patient hygiene and disease resilience.

"Through much needed support being provided by Caritas Australia and others we will continue to work in partnership with the people of Cerro Candela, as we do with vulnerable communities everywhere in the world.

"Our program will continue to educate mothers about beneficial health practices for their children and themselves, and in turn secure a future generation free of disease and malnutrition in line with the MDG’s.

"We are very grateful for the support of Caritas Australia and the Australian Government as without their help the community of Cerro Candela and many like it would not be waking up to a brighter future," Sr Doyle said.