WHO Timor-Leste

Rising TB Cases Demand Urgent Action: Insights from the WHO's Global Tuberculosis Report 2024—Join the Fight to End TB! #EndTB #TBReport2024 #HealthForAll

A team of national and international experts concluded Timor-Leste’s first extensive review of its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Vaccine-Preventable Disease surveillance systems in nearly nine years. Conducted from October 14-25, the review covered 13 municipalities, assessing vaccination modalities, storage, waste disposal, and human resource training. At the closing debrief last week, attended by Health Minister Dr Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, WHO representative Dr Arvind Mathur, and UNICEF deputy representative Ainhoa Jaureguibeitia, officials pledged to act on the findings to make immunization services more robust and responsive. Dr Amaral affirmed the Ministry of Health's commitment to review and act on the committee’s findings to strengthen “immunization services”. Dr Mathur explained that the review aimed to assess the program's current status and examine all facets of vaccination—from vaccination modalities, storage, waste disposal and documentation to the training of healthcare staff. World Health Organization UNICEF

Unpredictable rainfall, scorching heat, droughts, and the rise of diseases like dengue—climate change is reshaping our world in ways that deeply affect our health, environment, economy, and communities. In response to these growing challenges, WHO proudly took part in the 5th National Climate Change Conference in Timor-Leste. The energy at the WHO stall was palpable, as people engaged with our experts to explore the critical and urgent link between climate change and health. #ClimateAction#climatechange#HealthAndClimate

Food is a fundamental human right! This year’s World Food Day theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and Better Future – Leave No One Behind,” underscores the importance of ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food. WHO, alongside key UN agencies, proudly joined the government, private sector, and development partners in celebrating this significant day. WHO Representative and Acting UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Arvind Mathur, emphasized that by investing in agriculture, preventing undernutrition, promoting healthy diets, and ensuring food safety, we are investing in the future of Timor-Leste. It is our collective responsibility to make this right a reality, and WHO is committed to supporting the government in achieving this goal in Timor-Leste. #WorldFoodDay2024

Access to safe and effective medicines is crucial for the health and well-being of every community. Today, WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, hosted a National Workshop to finalize Timor-Leste’s Essential Medicines List. This list is a cornerstone of the National Drug Policy, ensuring that healthcare services have the vital resources to deliver optimal care to all citizens. Representatives from municipal health services, referral hospitals, HNGV, and other key institutions and partners participated in the workshop. WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in strengthening the health system and ensuring health for all.

WHO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is proud to have participated in the Rabilau Festival in Maubisse, Ainaro, hosted by the Presidency of the Republic in collaboration with the IX Constitutional Government. Atop the scenic Rabilau mountain, we set up health stalls offering free screenings and services to the community. This included promoting school health initiatives, providing emergency care, NCD screening, conducting TB X-ray exams, promoting food safety practices, and offering nutritional assessments for children under five. The community's enthusiasm was truly inspiring, reaffirming our commitment to working alongside the people of Timor-Leste to achieve health for all.

Act now to protect her future! The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing HPV infections, cervical cancer, and other related cancers. Protect her health so she can protect others one day! 💪💜 #HPVVaccine #ProtectHerFuture #HealthyDreams

WHO Timor-Leste proudly handed over the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) to the Ministry of Health and Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV), with an additional center to be set up in Tasi Tolu. This initiative is vital not only for the upcoming Papal visit but also for enhancing the country's capacity to manage future health crises. The HEOC is equipped with advanced systems to coordinate resources, communicate effectively, and respond swiftly to emergencies, including natural disasters, health crises, public safety threats, or social unrest. Over the years, WHO has supported the establishment and training of HEOCs across Timor-Leste, starting with the National HEOC at SNAEM, and followed by centers in RAEOA, Ainaro, and Lautem.

In preparation for the upcoming papal visit, multiple agencies in Timor-Leste have launched comprehensive food safety measures to prevent potential foodborne illness outbreak. A food safety team, comprising technical officers from the Ministry of Health, AIFAESA, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and WHO, is working to ensure the safety of food served during the large gatherings expected throughout the visit. From September 3rd to 5th, 2024, joint inspections of hotels and restaurants in Dili are underway. These inspections focus on educating establishments on best safety practices rather than imposing penalties. Educational materials on food safety are also being distributed to reinforce good practices across all establishments, aiming to protect both visitors and local citizens. To support these efforts, an orientation session was held on August 26 for restaurant managers in Dili. Thirty-three representatives from local restaurants and hotels participated, receiving guidance on current regulations and best practices in food hygiene. Each participant was provided with a food hygiene handbook to implement with their staff. #Foodsafety #publichealth

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO-TLS, is hosting a two-day workshop on Mpox preparedness ahead of the Pope's visit on September 9-11. The workshop addressed Mpox as a Global Public Health Emergency, covering key areas such as screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Key stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture, National Police (PNTL), customs, airport officials, religious leaders, development partners, and media participated. Discussions centered on enhancing airport screening and tackling misinformation. Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO's representative, stressed the importance of cross-border collaboration, echoing the Standing Recommendations issued by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.  Mpox was declared by WHO as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on August 14. #mpox #health