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St Joseph’s Care and Support Centre, Tindivanam
24 Sep 2009
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Sister Cecily with a patient |
The Centre was established in 1981, originally as a lepers’ colony of 50 houses, all built out of the town of Tindivanam, and out of the way. Two years ago the Cluny Sisters took over the care of the community headed by Sr Cecily and discovered that some of the people suffering from leprosy were also HIV positive.
Many of the HIV patients are also infected with Tuberculosis (TB), while many patients also suffer from mental illness. The sisters attend to whoever is the neediest.
For people with lowered immune systems, good nutrition is vital and the Sisters provide regular healthy meals, including fish and meat. Presently there are 13 HIV patients in the hospital and most of them are suffering from Tuberculosis. There are 16 leprosy patients cared for by the sisters who are living in their own homes. Three of these are also HIV positive.
Complications are not just physical. Children of leprosy sufferers are placed in boarding schools away from the colony where it is not known of their parents’ condition. Prejudices regarding both leprosy and HIV/AIDS are still strong, so boarding the children gives them an education and the chance of a bright future. Currently there are 35 children of lepers who need assistance, while there are 15 children orphaned by AIDS who also need placement.
At present all the male and female patients are in separate rooms, but next to each other, and sharing the same toilet and shower block. There is a need for a separate male ward, with its own bathrooms, for security and privacy. The total cost of the new ward is estimated at around $75,760 AUD.
Catholic Mission has been supporting the Diocese of Pondicherry and this work since it began back in 1981. Catholic Mission also provides extra funds each year to help place the children and orphans in boarding schools to ensure they break free from the cycle of poverty with a brighter future.
Donate to Catholic Mission’s World Mission Month Appeal. Call us on 1 800 257 296.
