DILI, 30 june 2022 (TATOLI)– The World Bank and CARE International launched a USD 2.75 million health project, to be implemented in the municipalities of Covalima and Viqueque.
World Bank Representative for Timor-Leste, Bernard Harborne said the project ensures consistency in communicating accurate messages about COVID-19, including infection control, hygiene, sanitation, and other preventive measures at the community level.
“Health systems play an important role as the front line in dealing with pandemics. The ongoing Covid-19 is exposing the weaknesses of these systems and highlighting the need for capacity building,” said Bernard Harborne at Seroja in Comoro, Thursday.
According to Harborne, the project should focus on strengthening community capacity to provide training for community leaders and health workers to deliver services and responses in rural areas.
“It is necessary to strengthen the capacity of the community in Covalima and Viqueque to better prepare for and respond effectively to COVID-19 and other health emergencies,” he said.
He explained that Covalima and Viqueque were selected based on a combination of factors including exposure to COVID-19 and risk of future health emergencies, health needs, the practicality of accessing hard-to-reach areas, and existing programs implemented by CARE International.
CARE International’s Country Director in Timor-Leste, Peter Goodwill explained that CARE’s long experience of working with community groups and local authorities shows that involving women and vulnerable groups in the process is critical to ensuring a fast and appropriate response.
“We are excited to expand on this important work through this initiative, and look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders over the coming months to ensure an inclusive and effective project,” he said.
Third Secretary – Economic Development Assistance, Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste, Daishin Sasaki reminded us that this pandemic revealed gaps in several areas, such as emergency response capacity, especially in remote areas, and coordination between central and regional agencies.
“I am pleased that the Government of Japan has decided to fund the “Timor-Leste Health System and COVID-19 Steering Support Project” program worth approximately $3 million,” he said.
Under the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), Japan has provided support of approximately $20 million related to COVID-19 and approximately 170,000 doses of vaccine to Timor-Leste.
“This Health Program will be implemented for three years, from 2022 to 2025, and is expected to benefit approximately 33,000 people, at least 50 percent of whom are women,” he said.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B
