Yesterday, Timor-Leste Hearts Fund met with His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta to discuss our work to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cardiovascular health system, with a focus on supporting the national heart-health workforce.
We shared the design of our proposed program, Caring for Healthy Hearts, which aims to provide in-service training for cardiologists and cardiac nurses at HNGV and the district referral hospitals, and to support national policy and planning to strengthen cardiovascular disease outcomes.
President Ramos-Horta conveyed his strong support for our work and welcomed our commitment to seeking the funding required to deliver the program, and build a sustainable and locally led cardiac care system for the people of Timor-Leste.
Also yesterday, we facilitated a National Heart Health Strategic Plan Workshop in Dili, bringing together key stakeholders from government, health care, and local and international NGOs. The workshop marks a major step in the development of Timor-Leste’s first-ever National Heart Health Strategic Plan, which will set an ambitious, coordinated vision for addressing cardiovascular disease — now one of the leading causes of premature death in Timor-Leste.
This week, we are proud to also support the first meeting of the Cardiac Society of Timor-Leste, a newly formed professional society that will represent cardiologists, cardiac nurses, and allied health professionals working in the cardiovascular field. The Society will play a vital role in driving clinical excellence, peer learning, and advocacy for cardiac care in Timor-Leste.
Jane Williams, CEO of Timor-Leste Hearts Fund, said: “These initiatives reflect our commitment to improving cardiovascular disease outcomes in Timor-Leste, through strong national leadership, cohesive planning, and access to high-quality training. We are grateful for President Ramos-Horta’s support and proud to be walking alongside the Ministry of Health and the national cardiac workforce on this journey.”
For over a decade, we have worked in Timor-Leste to provide life-saving treatment to critically-ill patients, in collaboration with our longstanding local partners. With a growing focus on workforce development and national systems strengthening, we remain committed to supporting the foundations for long-term, locally owned improvements in heart health.
Media Contact:
Jane Williams
