WHO has facilitated the transformation of Timor-Leste – from a country with no testing capacity, no identified isolation and quarantine facilities and limited surveillance capability into one with in-country testing, functional Covid-19 facilities, staff rapidly trained in infection control and case management, a gradual increase in PPE stocks, capacity for an expanded testing strategy and active surveillance capabilities, over a relatively short period of 4-6 weeks. 

Even before Timor-Leste saw its first confirmed case, WHO provided its National Health Laboratory (NHL) with primers and probes to carry out 1,000 COVID-19 tests, as well as PPE, including gloves, gowns, goggles and masks. 

WHO Timor-Leste activated the Incident Management System (IMS) and extended support to the Ministry of Health in conducting training sessions for health care workers, point of entry staff, emergency responders and rapid response teams. It created a web-based COVID-19 surveillance portal and trained national staff in active surveillance and contact tracing. 

Together, WHO and the health ministry created the National Action Plan for COVID-19 preparedness and response. WHO also adapted numerous technical guidelines to the Timor-Leste context and provided laboratory support. Its efforts enabled all partners involved to mount a faster and more effective response.

WHO also conducts rapid independent reviews of national preparedness and quality standards at isolation and quarantine facilities. It provides scientific advice on the use of COVID-19 public health and social interventions and has developed a monitoring and evaluation framework for the national COVID-19 response. 

Read the full WHO/SEARO story about how Timor-Leste is dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak

Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19

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