Timor-Leste marks National Health Day with a pledge to people and planet

Viqueque, 27 July: The rain came down hard in Viqueque, but the crowds came anyway. Hundreds gathered on 22 July as Timor-Leste marked its 11th National Health Day, celebrated this year in Viqueque Municipality under the theme "My Sea, My Timor, My Health." The event honoured the dedication of health workers across the country while reinforcing the importance of protecting both people and the environment to achieve a healthier future.

The celebration brought together government leaders, health professionals, development partners and the community to recognise the progress Timor-Leste has made in strengthening its health system.

Vice Minister of Health José dos Reis Magno, together with local authorities and WHO Officer-in-Charge Dr Vinay, launched the Standard Treatment Guidelines for Primary Health Care © WHO Timor-Leste 

Three new resources developed with WHO support were launched: the Standard Treatment Guidelines for Primary Healthcare, the National Essential Diagnostic List, and the DNFM website, which together will strengthen access to essential medicines, diagnostics and health information. The Ministry of Health also handed over a new ambulance to the Viqueque Municipal Authority, and outstanding health workers and National Health Day Cup champions were recognised for their service.

The Ministry of Health launched Timor-Leste’s National Essential Diagnostics List, developed with WHO support © WHO Timor-Leste

José dos Reis Magno, Vice Minister of Health for Institutional Strengthening, told the gathering that good health starts well before the hospital door. "The sea gives us food, so protecting the sea protects our nutrition," he said. "Health does not begin at the hospital; it begins with how we live and care for our environment." He urged renewed commitment to a fair, modern health system that reaches every community and narrows the gap between rural and urban areas.

The Ministry of Health handed over a multifunction ambulance to the Viqueque Municipal Authority © WHO Timor-Leste

The weather itself became a tribute. "Rain or sunshine, day or night, our health workers are always there for the people," said Francisco Cruz Simões de Gonzaga Soares, President of the Viqueque Municipal Authority, who also voiced hope that the Viqueque Municipal Hospital would soon be completed.

Representing WHO Timor-Leste at the event, Dr Vinay Bothra, Officer-in-Charge, pointed to milestones including the elimination of malaria, country’s three new medical oxygen production plants and health screening in more than 1,300 schools. "Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress, but our work is not finished," he said. "Primary healthcare is the foundation for tackling noncommunicable diseases, malnutrition, cancer and heart disease, ensuring quality care for everyone," he said.

Viqueque Municipal President handed over certificates to exemplary health workers © WHO Timor-Leste

In a message shared for the occasion, Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste, congratulated the Ministry of Health and the people of Timor-Leste on the country's public health gains, from eliminating malaria and lymphatic filariasis to expanding immunisation and reducing maternal and child deaths. "This year's theme reminds us that the health of our people and the health of our oceans are inseparable," he said. "By protecting nature, we protect lives and build a healthier, greener and more resilient Timor-Leste."

Eleven years on, National Health Day has become a symbol of celebration and reflection. Next year, the celebration will travel west to Bobonaro Municipality, which was selected through a lottery to host the 12th National Health Day in 2027.