DILI, 09 April 2026 (TATOLI) – Each day in Dili, volunteers quietly move through the streets, bringing food, clothes and basic care to people living with mental illness — many of whom have no home, no treatment, and little hope of recovery.
For NGO like Psychosocial Recovery and Development in East Timor (PRADET), these daily encounters are a stark reminder of the country’s fragile mental health system, where limited services leave some of the most vulnerable behind.
“There are still many people living on the streets without proper care,” said PRADET director Manuel dos Santos. “Recovery is possible, but it requires time, support and strong commitment.”
Despite progress in recent years, mental health services in Timor-Leste remain constrained by a lack of facilities, trained professionals and long-term rehabilitation options.
Around 90 people with mental illness are currently homeless in Dili, while many others struggle in silence within their communities across municipalities.
PRADET has tried to bridge that gap. In 2025, the organization provided direct support to about 1,000 survivors of violence — including domestic abuse, sexual violence and child neglect — while also helping 58 people with mental health conditions return to their families.
But for every success story, there are others still waiting.
At a modest mobile rehabilitation center in Dili, about 10 patients gather each day for therapy sessions — singing, simple exercises, and basic life skills. The space is small, the resources limited, but for participants, it offers a rare chance to reconnect with society.
“Rehabilitation is not just about medicine,” Santos said. “It is about dignity, human rights, and helping people rebuild their lives.”
For more severe cases, patients are referred to an intensive care facility in Laclubar, in Manatuto municipality. Those who improve are eventually returned to their families, though reintegration is not always easy.
Beyond treatment, stigma and lack of awareness continue to hinder progress. Many families delay seeking help, while others turn to traditional practices instead of medical care.
A recent incident highlighted the urgency of the issue. Last week, a person with mental illness stabbed one child to death and injured three others, an event Santos described as a warning sign.
“If we do not act now, these challenges will only grow,” he said.
Looking ahead, PRADET plans to expand community education in 2026, focusing on early detection, open communication, and support for vulnerable groups. Outreach efforts will also extend to Atauro, where access to services remains limited.
Still, the organization cannot do it alone. Santos stressed that stronger government investment is essential, particularly in establishing more rehabilitation centers that provide not just clinical care, but long-term support. “For now, the message is simple but urgent,” he stressed.
“Do not stay silent when signs appear,” he said. “Seek help early — for your family, for your community, and for those who cannot ask for help themselves.”
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Filomeno Martins
