DILI, 10 March 2025 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has conducted a validation workshop for the National Strategy on Trauma Care, Injury, and Drowning Prevention (2025-2030).
This strategy aims to strengthen emergency response, reduce injuries, and enhance trauma care nationwide.
WHO Representative to Timor-Leste Arvind Mathur said that WHO remains fully committed to supporting Timor-Leste in this critical effort.
“Our collaboration with the Ministry of Health and key partners reflects a shared vision of a safer and healthier nation,” Mathur said at the Ministry of Health, in Dili on Friday (7/3).
In December 2024, trauma-related cases accounted for 41% (130 out of 317) of all surgical procedures at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV). Throughout the year, over 9,171 road accidents were recorded, with young males being the most affected (69% of cases). While drowning incidents are often underreported, WHO estimates that 110 drowning-related deaths occurred in Timor-Leste in 2021. Community assessments in Dili reveal that 53.3% of adults cannot swim, and 25.8% have experienced a near-drowning incident. Workplace safety also remains a critical issue, impacting health, quality of life, and healthcare costs.
“We are grateful to WHO and our partners for their support in developing these crucial measures, which mark the first National Strategy for Trauma Care, Injury Prevention, and Drowning Prevention in Timor-Leste,” said José dos Reis Magno, Vice Minister for Institutional Health Strengthening, Ministry of Health. “Together, we are taking concrete steps toward building a safer and more resilient health system in Timor-Leste.”
TATOLI
