We’ve been working to build strong healthcare systems throughout Timor-Leste since 2006, and not a single day of that work has taken place in isolation. In a country that only had 70 doctors and a single specialist in 1999, the decades that have followed since have seen ongoing transformation in the nation’s skilled medical force. At Maluk Timor, we’ve seen year after year how a powerful combination of people, trust and vision continues to pave the way to a stronger, safer healthcare system for all Timorese people. We’ve been privileged to enjoy many local partnerships over those years. Here’s how we’re working in partnership with local organisations to better Timor-Leste’s healthcare system and improve the future for every one of its communities.
Our work with the Ministry of Health
One of our key partners is the Ministry of Health, with our collaborative work at the core of everything we do. Working together from the very beginning of our organisation, our ongoing partnership ensures that our programs are aligned with national priorities, locally led, and built to be sustainable.
Our work together has included outcomes like:
- The development of national clinical guidelines that now form official standards of care throughout Timor-Leste
- The design of training programs that are rolled out across multiple geographic regions throughout the country
- The development, execution and maintenance of national patient databases that improve treatment outcomes
- The delivery of mentoring programs that upskill Timorese health professionals
Ongoing collaborations with other organisations
Alongside our foundational partnership with the Ministry of Health, numerous other collaborations with other organisations continue to expand Maluk Timor’s capacities and impact.
We partner with local hospitals and health centres, as well as training institutions and international health organisations. These partnerships help us to:
- Deliver targeted training
- Support clinical supervision
- Develop crucial healthcare resources
- Design programs that respond to genuine needs on the ground in Timor-Leste
This multi-pronged approach means Maluk Timor can take both a reactive and proactive approach to our work, responding to urgent needs while building long-term capabilities into the country’s healthcare system.
The ‘training the trainers’ model
It may come as a surprise to learn about our ‘training the trainers’ model – because our organisation’s goal isn’t to deliver healthcare ourselves. Instead, our work is focused on supporting Timorese healthcare workers to deliver higher quality care. That means we strategically develop and deliver sustainable training models, empowering local leaders to carry our work forward into their own daily activities and ongoing care delivery.
Our ‘train the trainer’ approach is implemented in a number of our programs. Here, we equip local doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers with not just the clinical skills they need for optimised healthcare delivery, but teaching and mentoring capabilities. This has a multiplying effect, empowering them to train others in their communities and continue to improve Timor-Leste’s healthcare workforce.
Upskilling local leadership to build sustainable healthcare solutions
Healthcare challenges in Timor-Leste are more complex thanks to the nation’s geography, infrastructure, and history. Solutions that work in other nations don’t always translate effectively as a result of these factors, making it more important than ever for local leaders to be at the forefront of building sustainable pathways forward. At Maluk Timor, our staff includes many of Timorese healthcare professionals and colleagues who bring essential insight, experience, and trust with their communities, ensuring that our work is culturally informed and locally grounded. As we continue to upskill these team members through mentoring, professional development and leadership opportunities, we’re helping to build a system that isn’t dependent on the intervention of outside organisations.
Our program implementation partners
We’re grateful to every one of our many program partners. Every program Maluk Timor delivers is strengthened by this network of collaborators and the generous sharing of expertise and access between our organisations.
Our partners include…
HIV Program Partners:
- Timor-Leste National Aids Program
- SSM Dili
- Instituto Nacional Combate Ao HIV/SIDA (INCSIDA)
- CHC Formosa
- ASHM
- Estrela Plus
- Esperansa
- A-KP (Asosisaun Komunidade Progresu)
- Uma mahon Be Dois Becora
- ART Centre: Maliana, Baucau, Suai, Oecuse, BPCL, HNGV, Vera Crus, Likisa
- Satellite Centre: Becora, Comoro
- Laboratorio Nasional Bidau
- Menzies School of Health Research
- Caritas
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Codiva
Oral Health Program Partners:
- Klibur Domin
- Ministry of Education, Aileu, Liquica (School program for dental Screening)
- MoH- National Oral Health Program
- Association of Dentist Timor Leste
- Institutu Nasional Saúde Públika Timor-Leste (INSP-TL)
- Pixelasia
Tuberculosis Program Partners:
- Timor-Leste National TB Program
- Timor-Leste Department of Communicable Disease
- STAF CTE
- Covalima Referral Hospitals
- Municipal Health Service Aileu
- Bairo Pite Clinic
- Knua Habelar Siensia (KHS)
- HAMNASA
Maternal and Child Health Program Partners (formerly Women’s Health & Social Care Program):
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Marie Stopes
DISTaNCE Program Partners:
- Ministry of Health
- National Service of Ambulance and Medical Emergency (SNAEM)
- Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV)
- Institutu Nasional Saúde Públika Timor-Leste (INSP-TL)
- St John of God
- Menzies
- Association of Midwife Timor Leste
- Association of Dentist Timor Leste
- Abt-PHD
Conclusion
At Maluk Timor, we know that building a stronger health system in Timor-Leste is the work of many organisations, not just one. Our achievements to date are the result of powerful collaborations from the Ministry of Health through to local hospitals, training institutions, international organisations and grassroots community groups. We’re grateful to be a part of a network of Timorese and international partners working with the same shared goal: building a safe and sustainable healthcare system across Timor-Leste.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without our global supporters. Become a part of this collaborative vision today so we can fight preventable diseases together, making a real difference to the health of Timor-Leste.