Highly experienced Timor-Leste based community leader Alzira dos Reis has joined the board of Timor-Leste Hearts Fund, providing cultural insight and strong local understanding to help support the delivery of our critical heart health services in Timor-Leste. For the past year, Ms dos Reis has served as ETHF’s Timorese Adviser to the board, providing critical guidance as we adapted to a COVID-normal model.
Board chair David Lloyd said the appointment came at a crucial time, as the organisation rolls out its new strategic plan to build on improved access to heart health services for cardiac patients in Timor-Leste through clinical practice, skills transfer and research.
“Our new strategic plan aims to expand our life-saving surgeries, increase clinical care, implement sustainable prevention programs and help improve public health systems in Timor-Leste by building in-country capability,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Our ability to meet the local needs of patients in Timor-Leste requires effective long term partnerships across healthcare, government and the local community. Ms dos Reis’ extensive leadership experience across community and government organisations will provide invaluable input and direction to support the effective delivery of our life-saving programs. ”
Driven by a desire to serve others, Ms dos Reis first joined the Alola Foundation in 2003 as a volunteer. Her tireless work to advance the rights of women and children in Timor-Leste through a range of roles eventuated in her appointment as CEO of the organisation in 2013. Alzira has also been on the board of several other women’s organisations and non-government organisations in Timor-Leste to provide her expertise and insight and is currently working as the National Planning and Monitoring Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister.
On behalf of the board, Mr Lloyd thanked Ms dos Reis for accepting the offer of a Board appointment and said that he looks forward to working together to drive improved hearth health in the Timorese community.
Alzira dos Reis – new ETHF Director
