DILI, 24 september 2024 (TATOLI) – Today, the UNDP and the Government of Timor-Leste launched the solarization of the National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Products (INFPM, formerly known as SAMES), with an effort from the Pacific Green Transformation Project. Launched in 2023 and set to run through 2025, this transformative project has the aim to help Timor-Leste on stepping into the Green Energy Transformation journey, for a more sustainable, inclusive development for all, with funding from the Government of Japan.
The installation of solar panels at INFPM is a part of output 2 of this project implemented by UNDP. UNDP will install solar panels on this medical warehouse that stores all the medication provided at public health facilities countrywide. With solar energy, the warehouse will have a stable and continuous energy supply, essential for the maintenance of medication, vaccines, and other critical health supplies at an adequate temperature. Solarization will not only safeguard the optimal maintenance of critical medicines and vaccines, but it will also cut operational costs and reduce INFPM’s carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and healthier future.
Adeline Carrier, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative stated the importance of the Green Transformation in INFPM and Timor-Leste, as it marks a great milestone on the journey that the country is taking towards a more sustainable future for all, in this crucial time where the country is facing severe climate change issues, both at local and national levels. She emphasized, “We are at a turning point where we need to embrace renewable energy sources, reduce emissions, and adopt sustainable practices, and Timor-Leste can contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change and building a more resilient future for its people and communities”, and “the project is a statement of the power of partnership to the Government of Timor-Leste, the Government of Japan and the UNDP”.
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including H.E. Mr. KIMURA Tetsuya, Ambassador of Japan, Ms. Katyna Argueta, the UNDP Timor-Leste Resident Representative, H.E. Mr. Samuel Marçal, the Minister of Public Works, and H.E. José dos Reis Magno, Vice-Minister for Institutional Strengthening of Health, welcomed by Dr. Brígido Simão de Deus, Executive Director of INFPM, highlighting the collaborative effort to advance climate action and sustainability.
Samuel Marçal, the Minster of Public Works also voiced their support, thanking UNDP and the Government of Japan for its commitment and contribution to improving the lives of the people in remote areas in Timor-Leste.
With a total funding of US$37.5 million by the Government of Japan, the project targets four Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Timor-Leste, with the aim of advancing climate action through the power of renewable energy, reducing the contribution to the climate change, and helping communities build resilience, and adapt to climate risks, inclusively and sustainably. For Timor-Leste, the project has funding of US$5,78 million, with three main outputs implemented across the municipalities of Manatuto, Manufahi, and Ainaro: support solar energy access to 1000 rural households not connected to the national electricity grid, as well as improved cooking stoves that will reduce the use of firewood and the hazards it involves; solarization of INFPM and 2 health posts for improved health service; and support the renovation and solarization of 15 ICT classrooms in selected schools to promote digital teaching and learning. The Installation process for INFPM is expected to be concluded by March 2025.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
