Dili, Timor-Leste — His Excellency José Ramos-Horta yesterday met with Timor-Leste Hearts Fund (TLHF) to continue discussions around strengthening Timor-Leste’s cardiovascular health system, with a focus on workforce development, national planning, and long-term system sustainability.
The meeting centred on TLHF’s flagship initiative, Caring for Healthy Hearts, a comprehensive program designed to support the development of a skilled and sustainable cardiac workforce. The program will deliver in-service training for cardiologists and cardiac nurses at Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, as well as across district referral hospitals, while also contributing to national policy and planning to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes.
TLHF shared the design and strategic vision of the program, which aims to strengthen clinical capacity, support coordinated national leadership and improve access to high-quality cardiac care for communities across Timor-Leste.
President Ramos-Horta reiterated his strong support for initiatives aimed at building a resilient, locally led cardiovascular care system, and emphasised the importance of strengthening workforce capability and national coordination to address the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in Timor-Leste.
The discussion also highlighted the role of international collaboration in supporting national priorities. TLHF has recently established a pro bono partnership with Pfizer Inc. through its Global Health Fellows Program, an initiative that supports not-for-profit organisations through capacity-building efforts aimed at improving access to healthcare for underserved communities.
As part of this collaboration, a team of four Pfizer representatives is currently in Timor-Leste working alongside TLHF and Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV), with the support of the Ministry of Health, to design and pilot a centralised hospital cardiovascular data system. This system will support improved data collection, analysis, and clinical decision-making, forming a critical component of strengthening cardiac care services.
Jane Williams, CEO of Timor-Leste Hearts Fund, said: “Today’s meeting has reinforced a shared commitment to improving cardiovascular health outcomes in Timor-Leste through strong national leadership, cohesive planning, and investment in the health workforce. We are honoured by His Excellency’s support and remain committed to working alongside HNGV and the Ministry of Health in Timor-Leste and now our Pfizer partners, to build sustainable, locally driven solutions.”
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death in Timor-Leste, underscoring the urgency of coordinated national action. TLHF’s work contributes to broader efforts underway to develop the country’s first National Heart Health Strategic Plan and to strengthen collaboration across government, healthcare providers, and civil society.
For more than a decade, Timor-Leste Hearts Fund has worked alongside local partners to provide life-saving treatment to critically ill patients while supporting long-term health system strengthening. The Caring for Healthy Hearts program represents a significant step forward in building the foundations for improved cardiac care and healthier communities across Timor-Leste.
Media Contact: Jane Williams, Chief Executive Officer
Timor-Leste Hearts Fund
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You can read more about it on President Ramos-Horta’s website.
