DILI, 22 april 2024 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health with the support from UNICEF Timor-Leste, conducted a National Review Workshop on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services in Healthcare Facilities (WInHCF) in Timor-Leste.
The National Standards on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Health Care Facilities was also launched, together with the handover of Water Quality Test equipment for 13 municipalities.
The objective of the workshop was to create a common understanding on the “sustainability” of WASH in Healthcare Facilities and to build consensus on the operations and maintenance protocols for these facilities.
José dos Reis Magno, Vice-Minister for Institutional Strengthening in Health and Acting Minister of Health; Abreu Ximenes Correia, representing the Secretary of State for Electricity, Water and Sanitation; Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, Country Representative of UNICEF in Timor-Leste; representatives from BEE Timor-Leste E.P; Health Directors from 14 municipalities, representatives from Civil Society Organizations, officials from line ministries from national and municipality levels, staff from UNICEF, WHO and several key development partners attended the workshop.
“I would like to thank UNICEF for their technical support for the development of the National Standards on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Health Care Facilities, and also for supporting the Water Quality Test equipment for 13 municipalities, including Oecusse,” said Minister Magno
He hoped that with these standards and the equipment that have been provided by UNICEF, the quality of water, sanitation, and hygiene at Health Care Facilities will improve.
“WASH in Healthcare Facilities is a globally recognized sub sector combining both WASH and Health sectors. Today’s event is a step towards aligning Timor-Leste’s national standards and monitoring systems with the corresponding global counterparts, thus complying with the Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health & Well Being, and Goal 6 on Clean Water & Sanitation,” said the UNICEF Country Representative.
The recommendations from the workshop will be used by the Ministry of Health and development partners towards a nationwide roadmap on raising the standards and ensuring the sustainability of WASH services in all the healthcare facilities in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
