Well over half a million people from across Timor-Leste and beyond, descended upon Dili for the visit by His Holiness Pope Francis this month. A massive logistical operation took place to keep people safe. CVTL First Aid Volunteers did a monumental effort with many others.
We would like to share information about this from the preparation phase to the conclusion of the event including the Solemn Mass at Tasi Tolu.
CVTL installed 70 tents to support activities, including 41 Emergency Health Posts in Dili, 22 in Tasi Tolu, and 19 throughout Dili. Additionally, 8 mobile public toilets and 13 water tanks for hand washing and toilet use were installed. CVTL also mobilized 23 vehicles, including 4 Land Cruisers equipped to function as ambulances, 2 rubber boats for search and rescue at sea, 20 First Aid Kits, 50 chair beds for patients rest, and 51 stretchers for patient transport.
A total of 550 people were mobilized by CVTL, comprising 50 operational support technicians, staff, and drivers, and 500 First Aid and health professional volunteers (including First Aiders from the municipality and national levels). These individuals provided assistance during the three-day event in Dili, including the Solemn Mass at Tasi Tolu and the Pope’s meetings at the Cathedral Church and Dili Convention Centre. This support also extended to pilgrims traveling from and returning to the municipalities.
CVTL provided assistance to a total of 1394 patients during the Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste. These patients, which included women, men, children, youth, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, suffered from conditions such as fainting, fatigue, dehydration, lack of rest, and hunger. This also included pilgrims from Ermera who were involved in a car accident in Railaku after returning from Tasi Tolu.
During this time, CVTL did not work alone but coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Health, National Ambulance Service Medical Emergency – SNAEM, I.P., FFDTL Naval Component, PNTL Maritime Police Unit – UPM, and other relevant entities.
CVTL would especially like to thank the First Aid team, who worked tirelessly for almost a week to provide services and assistance. Serving more than 7,000 people is no easy task. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the Timorese Episcopal Conference and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the organizing committee, for allowing CVTL to participate in this significant event. Additionally, we thank the Australian Government, through DFAT, IFRC and ICRC for providing funds to support CVTL’s First Aid team in responding to the needs and preparation for the event.
Lastly, CVTL would like to apologise if, during this time, any of our services did not meet expectations.
For more pictures please click two links bellow:
