INSP Timor-Leste

TIMOR-LESTE PARTICIPATES IN THE 20TH ASEAN SENIOR OFFICIALS MEETING ON HEALTH DEVELOPMENT (SOMHD) PLENARY MEETING.

The SOMHD of Timor-Leste is participating in the 20th ASEAN Plenary Meeting of the Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD), reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation and the advancement89 of public health across Southeast Asia.

The meeting, convened by the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Health Development (SOMHD) together with the respective ASEAN Health Cluster Coordinators, brings together representatives from ASEAN Member States to review the progress of regional health initiatives, discuss emerging priorities, and strengthen collaboration in addressing shared public health challenges.

Key agenda items include:

ASEAN Health Cluster 1: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles, including the implementation of the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration and the progress of the 2021–2025 Work Programme;
ASEAN Health Cluster 2: Responding to All Hazards and Emerging Threats, focusing on the implementation of the 2021–2025 Work Programme and regional preparedness for health emergencies;
ASEAN Health Cluster 3: Strengthening Health Systems and Access to Care, reviewing achievements and priorities under its Work Programme; ASEAN Health Cluster 4: Ensuring Food Safety, highlighting regional efforts to strengthen food safety systems and standards; Updates from ASEAN Health Sector Centres and ASEAN Health Cooperation Partnerships;
Discussions on the Rules of Procedure (ROP) for the Engagement of Entities and Partners with the ASEAN Health Sector; and Consideration of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ASEAN Health Clusters.

The Timor-Leste delegation is led by dr. Gustódio A. de Jesus, First Vogal of the National Institute of Health of Timor-Leste (INSP-TL) and Timor-Leste's SOMHD Lead. The delegation also comprises:

dr. Raimundo dos Santos, SOMHD Member and Director-General for Hospital Services;
Mr. Gregório Rangel, M.Sc. Director-General for Technical and Scientific Affairs, INSP-TL and ASEAN Health Cluster 2 Lead;
dr. Rosye J.B. Monis da Silva, National Director for Nutrition and ASEAN Health Cluster 4 Lead; and
Mr. Carlito Correia Freitas, representative of ASEAN Health Cluster 1 and Secretariat of the ASEAN Unit, sustainable health systems throughout the ASEAN region.

Timor-Leste remains committed to working closely with ASEAN Member States and development partners to advance regional health priorities and ensure that no one is left behind in achieving better health for all.