U.S. Embassy Dili provides essential medical equipment to health posts in Manufahi

DÍLI, 29 September 2026 (TATOLI) – U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Bruce Begnell joined the Ministry of Health and Manufahi municipal authorities in Same for the official handover of priority medical equipment, medical supplies, facilities enhancements to select health posts.

“This equipment and supplies advance Timor-Leste’s durable development and strengthen the delivery of health services and sustainably increase access to lifesaving maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition services, based on the highest priority needs determined by a joint needs assessment of maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition service readiness,” said in a statement.

This U.S.-funded ACHIEVE Timor-Leste Project worked closely with national and municipal health authorities to strengthen health service delivery and sustainably increase access to lifesaving maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition services for the past nine months. 

“The provisioned equipment includes lifesaving maternal and child health devices, medical treatment supplies, facilities furnishings, and solar panels to help ensure reliable electricity in health posts where power access is limited or unstable.  Additionally, televisions and health education materials were provided to five villages to strengthen community health education,” the statement read.

During the handover ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires Begnell said, “Since Timor-Leste’s independence, the United States has worked closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to strengthen the country’s health system and improve the health of the Timorese people. For more than two decades, our partnership has focused on practical steps that support healthier families, stronger communities, and a resilient national health system.”

This event reinforces the longstanding partnership between the United States and Timor Leste in strengthening primary health care, supporting frontline workers, and expanding equitable access to essential services for mothers, newborns, and children.

The United States remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health, municipal leaders, and communities to build resilient, community-centered health systems.

Supported by funding from the U.S. Department of State, the ACHIEVE Timor-Leste Project is part of an eight-year global initiative supporting the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

In Timor-Leste, the project is implemented by the U.S. company Palladium as part of the U.S. organization Pact’s consortium, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Manufahi Municipal Health Services.

TATOLI