Lautem, July 22- On this year's National Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) Timor-Leste officially handed over a Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) to the Ministry of Health in Lospalos, Lautem. The HEOC which will also function as an e-learning centre, aims to enhance capacity for emergency preparedness and response, as well as staff learning in Timor-Leste. The centre has been financially supported by WHO and GAVI.
An HEOC is a crucial physical or virtual space where designated health emergency management personnel gather to coordinate operational information and resources for the strategic management of public health events and emergencies. Timor-Leste has seen the establishment of three HEOCs prior to this handover, with the first one set up at the national level in SNAEM in 2020, followed by two regional HEOCs in Oecusse and Ainaro in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
“The HEOC functions as a command center during emergencies, serving as the central hub for planning and coordination,” said Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste. “The national PHEOC has played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the flash floods and tropical cyclone in 2021. Well-functional HEOCs are particularly important for an island nation like Timor-Leste, which is vulnerable to increasing climate threats,” he said.
Public health emergencies and natural disasters aggravated by climate change pose a substantial risk to human health, including the potential for significant fatalities, injuries, or long-term disabilities. These emergencies can arise from a wide range of hazards and complex situations. Experience has shown that HEOCs provide an essential platform for the effective management of such emergencies.
The handover of the HEOC from WHO Timor-Leste to the Ministry of Health marks another milestone in the country’s journey toward strengthening its public health emergency response capabilities. “The establishment of the HEOC in Timor-Leste reflects our commitment to strengthening the country's resilience and ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any future health crises,” Dr. Mathur added.
For more information, contact:
Jyoti Shelar, Communications Consultant, WHO: shelarj@who.int; +67077728051