By Anupama Tantri

Last month, Timor-Leste renewed its commitment to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). As a representative of the Global Network, I had the privilege of traveling to Dili and participating in a national workshop organized by the Ministry of Health to prepare for the launch of a national NTD program later this year. In this post, I provide a bit of background and information about the remarkable efforts underway in Timor-Leste.

Timor-Leste, Asia’s newest nation, has emerged as a success story in just 10 short years. The close of the United Nations peacekeeping mission at the end of 2012 underscores the country’s rapid progress and development. The positive energy and growth in Dili is evident with the construction of new government buildings, a beachside restaurant scene with global cuisine and even a new shopping complex.  However, despite the new façade, the painful history of the country is not forgotten and encourages the country to build a different future.

The country gained independence in 2002 following a violent fight against centuries of foreign rule and over two decades of occupation.  During the occupation more than 100,000 people died, the majority due to conflict-related hunger and illness. At the time of independence, 70 percent of the country’s infrastructure had been destroyed as a result of conflict, electricity was scarce and there were few hospitals.

Timor-Leste has since emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia and the Pacific; between 2005 and 2010, GNP per capita increased by 228 percent. The country recently held its third democratic election since independence.

Advancing development through improved health

Timor-Leste is also committed to advancing its development through improved health and well-being. The national NTD workshop opened with a keynote address from former President and Nobel laureate, Dr. José Ramos-Horta. He spoke about the importance of controlling and eliminating NTDs to reduce poverty and promote health. Dr. Ramos-Horta noted his role as Vice-Patron and Ambassador of Fundu Isin-Di´ak Timor-Leste (Timor-Leste Health Fund), a fund established in partnership with the University of Sydney and the Rotary Club Sydney to support NTD and other communicable disease control programs in Timor-Leste.

The national stakeholder workshop was also attended by other prominent senior officials, representing multiple sectors, including the Secretary of State for Water and Sanitation Mr. Elias Pereira Moniz and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Constancio Pinto. The support of these ministries – as well as a range of other development partners, academics and NGOs – underscores the importance of cross-sectoral interventions, including water and sanitation improvements and the impact of NTDs on other social, development, and economic outcomes.

With the support of these different sectors and from all levels of government, from the Ministry of Health to the Prime Minister’s office, Timor-Leste has renewed its commitment to control and eliminate NTDs. This commitment is already translating into action with the support of many partners, including AusAID, the University of Syndey and Rotary Club Sydney. As a next step, the Ministry of Health will develop a clear plan of action and detailed budget and work with partners and donors to address any technical or resource needs.  Given this momentum, now is the time for new donors and partners to support and encourage these efforts.

More about NTDs in Timor-Leste

The Timor-Leste Ministry of Health recently completed a national survey to determine the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and intestinal worms across the country. The survey identified that almost 30 percent of children between 7 and 16 years of age were infected with intestinal worms and approximately 17 percent of the population was infected with LF.

Timor‐Leste is a country of approximately 1.2 million people and control and elimination of these diseases is achievable.  Earlier efforts by the government from 2005 to 2008 proved effective, but before these programs could achieve their goals, they were stalled due to a lack of funding.

Additional Information and Resources

• Brief biography of former President and Nobel Laureate, Jose Ramos-Horta: http://www.humanrights.com/voices-for-human-rights/ramos-horta.html
• Timor-Leste Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR): http://www.cavr-timorleste.org/
• Timor_Leste_National_Survey_2012_English