Dili: Saima
Wazed, WHO SEAR Regional Director, concluded a successful three-day visit to
Timor-Leste from August 21-23. During her visit, she pledged to strengthen
collaborations and work closely with the country's health leadership and teams
to advance Timor-Leste's journey toward a healthier future.
The Regional Director
engaged in high-level discussions with key national leaders of Timor-Leste,
including President and Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. José Ramos-Horta and Prime
Minister Xanana Gusmão. The meetings focused on strengthening collaborations in
critical areas such as nutrition, maternal and infant health, digital health,
surveillance, and addressing the impacts of climate change on the island
nation.
Ms Wazed inaugurated
several key initiatives aimed at enhancing emergency response and capacity
building within the health sector. She observed a demonstration of the Mental
Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services provided to students at the
wellness room of 10 Decembro School.
dr Élia A. A. dos
Reis Amaral, the Minister of Health, boosted the momentum of the HPV
vaccination campaign by personally administering a vaccine to a schoolgirl,
with Ms Wazed present to witness the event.
Ms Wazed also
observed the implementation of the school-based Primary Healthcare package, a
joint effort between WHO and the Ministries of Health and Education. This
initiative enables healthcare workers to provide health screenings and physical
examinations for students in basic education schools (grades 1-9).
As part of
capacity-building efforts, the Regional Director inaugurated a state-of-the-art
Simulation Skills Center and led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Field
Epidemiology Training and Resource Center. This center will serve as a
foundation for developing skilled field epidemiologists.
In a significant move
to strengthen surveillance, Ms Wazed also designated Timor-Leste’s National
Health Laboratory as a National Influenza Center.
In a major
advancement for emergency healthcare, she inaugurated Timor-Leste’s first
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plant at HNGV Hospital.
To further enhance
prehospital care, Ms Wazed handed over three advanced ambulances equipped with
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), ventilators, monitors, and other
life-saving equipment. These ambulances, provided by WHO, will play a crucial
role in strengthening the country’s emergency response capabilities.