Timor-Leste’s First-Ever Health Civil Society Organization Network Completes First Year

Dili, May 5, 2023 - Today, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley and USAID Mission Director Zema Semunegus joined President José Ramos-Horta, Ministry of Health representative, and heads of civil society organisations to celebrate the first anniversary of Rede Ba Saúde Timor-Leste (REBAS-TL) at Hotel Timor. 

Since its establishment in 2022 with the support of USAID Health System Sustainability Activity, REBAS-TL has promoted civil society engagement with the country’s health sector to strengthen health outcomes for the Timorese people. Through the effort, diverse stakeholders have supported health system strengthening through the development of human resources for health, contributed to the 2020–2030 health sector strategic plan, and exchanged information on essential service packages, public health services, malnutrition, and infant mortality. The event also launched and released the primer of the role of civil society organisations in health system strengthening in Timor-Leste and a grant of USD 140,000 to FONGTIL to strengthen the capacity of REBAS-TL.

“This event marks an important achievement of U.S. efforts to improve civic engagement and advocacy in the health system,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley. “The United States is proud to stand in support of your efforts as we continue to deepen our partnership with Timor-Leste and invest in the Timorese people.” 

REBAS-TL is composed of 43 members of civil society organisations with the aim to strengthen collaboration among health sector civil society organisations and enable them to better advocate for their constituencies and engage more effectively with the government and other health stakeholders.

“On behalf of REBAS-TL, I would like to express our gratitude to the American People through the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity in Timor-Leste to provide the support and technical assistant to FONGTIL in establishing Timor-Leste’s first health advocacy network to partnering with Ministry of Health and provides health advocacy to improve the quality of the health services for every Timorese.” said Mr. Joaquim Freitas Soares, General Coordinator of REBAS-TL.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will contribute nearly $92 million between 2021 and 2025 to strengthen Timor-Leste’s economy and governance. Since Timor-Leste’s independence, USAID has contributed more than $323 million to support inclusive and peaceful development, leading to a more prosperous, healthy, and self-reliant Timor-Leste.

For more information:

FONGTIL:

Velantine Pinto, Executive Director of Forum NGO Timor-Leste \ Koko Valentin <kokovalentin.pinto@gmail.com>, 7716 4696.

U.S. Mission Timor-Leste:

Tim Johnson, Public Affairs Officer, JohnsonTA@state.gov, 77193389; USAID/Timor-Leste Communications Team, diliusaiddocs@usaid.gov, 77326213