Dili: The robust emergency systems setup in Dili by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, played a crucial role in swiftly responding to several health emergencies during the historic mass of Pope Francis on September 10. The event drew an estimated 600,000 attendees from across Timor-Leste, Indonesia and Australia.
In July, following the Vatican's announcement that Timor-Leste would be included in Pope Francis’ Asia and Oceania tour—alongside Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore—the Ministry of Health formed a dedicated National Health Section Team (Seksaun Ekipa Saude Nasional) to support the national organizing committee. The Ministry also collaborated closely with international partners, particularly the World Health Organization Timor-Leste, to ensure the well-being of the population during the papal visit.
Thanks to careful planning and collaboration, nearly 1500 health incidents were successfully managed during the mass, most of them minor. Common complaints included acute gastritis, dehydration, hyperthermia, hypoglycemia, musculoskeletal pain, and headaches, according to the Ministry of Health.
In the weeks leading up to the event, the Ministry of Health and WHO laid the groundwork. In early September, WHO handed over a fully equipped Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) at Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV), which served as the central command post during the Pope's visit. A temporary HEOC was also set up at Tasi Tolu, the venue for the mass. There, a 300-bed field hospital and 20 health posts were established, with another 24 health posts spread throughout Dili. Each facility was staffed with dedicated doctors, nurses, midwives, and health volunteers, ensuring that care was available wherever needed.
The triage system was a key part of the operation. At Tasi Tolu, cases beyond the capabilities of the health posts were referred to the Field Hospital, while more serious cases were sent to HNGV.
Referrals to the Guido Valadares National Hospital were timely and efficient. Four moderate cases were transferred there, including a woman with nosebleed, a foreigner suffering from hypertension and lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and a 56-year-old man with kidney problems. All patients remained stable, and most were discharged within a few days.
Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative, praised the efforts of all involved, noting that the minimal number of serious cases at such a large-scale event was a testament to the power of preparedness and teamwork. “The success of this operation shows what can be achieved when health is made a priority,” he said.
WHO's role extended beyond immediate medical care. WHO's expertise was instrumental in establishing the 300-bed field hospital at Tasi Tolu. In August, during her first visit to the country, WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed handed over three advanced ambulances to the Ministry of Health to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
The WHO Timor-Leste team also provided a real-time early warning system, which was used at the HEOCs to monitor the situation during the mass. While the digital system played a crucial role, teams also relied on manual methods, such as phone calls, WhatsApp, and radio, suggesting areas for future improvement in the digital dashboard.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors descending on Dili, food safety became a top priority. The Ministry of Health and WHO worked closely ahead of the visit to prevent foodborne illnesses.
A joint food safety team, consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Health, WHO, AIFAESA, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, conducted inspections of hotels and restaurants across the city. These inspections focused on promoting best practices in food safety. Earlier in August, an orientation session was also held for restaurant managers in Dili to inform them about the latest food hygiene regulations.
These efforts provided visitors and local citizens with access to safe and hygienic food, effectively curbing the incidence of foodborne outbreaks during the Pope's historic visit.