DILI, 29 march 2023 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health (MoH) today, together with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley and USAID Mission Interim Director Rebecca Robinson joined Health Minister Odete Maria Freitas Belo, at the City 8 Has – Laran, launched of a new Health Financing Unit developed with the U.S. support.
Through the use of evidence-based data, the new Health Financing Unit will enable Ministry of Health policymakers to better use limited financial resources to ensure maximum impact in strengthening health outcomes for the Timorese people.
“The launch of the Health Financing Unit is a critical step forward to enable policymakers to make use of data to improve services for the Timorese people,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley. Through USAID’s support, we are proudly working to invest in the Timorese people to enable them to build a healthier, more secure, and more prosperous country. The U.S. would like to thank the Ministry of Health for its engagement and collaboration in
strengthening health governance and finances.”
Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo said the Health Financing Unit was developed through the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
“The unit will inform the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of sustainable financing approaches for the health system by capturing, analyzing, and sharing evidence-based data for decision-makers. The unit will also perform critical functions like health financing data collection and analysis, health accounting, tracking health expenditures, and coordinating technical assistance activities with development partners” said Odete Freitas Belo.
Belo also added that this effort advances the Ministry of Health’s Health Financing Strategy 2019-2023, which set two key objectives: ensuring sufficient and sustainable public financing for health and monitoring the effect of resource mobilization interventions.
Recalled that since 2000 USAID has provided over $323 million in assistance to Timor-Leste helping build an inclusive, sustainable economy by expanding economic opportunities for women and
youth, strengthening the private sector in key growth sectors, and enabling an environment for private sector growth.
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor : Nelia B.
