OUR ORIGINS

In October 2016, HAMNASA’s founders came together in Dili with the vision of establishing a local non-governmental organization (NGO) run by Timorese with high capacity and integrity to support the public health sector and local communities in Timor-Leste. 

HAMNASA’s founders had extensive experience working in close partnership with Health Alliance International (HAI), a USA-based international NGO working in solidarity with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Health since its establishment in 2002. 

From 2017 to 2021, HAMNASA leadership worked under the guidance and mentorship of HAI to build HAMNASA’s organizational capacity, including both technical experience implementing public health activities at the community and clinic levels, as well as financial and operational management capacity. 

In Autumn 2021, with the support of its US and Australian government funders, HAI formally transitioned all active Timor-Leste-based activities to HAMNASA.  This planned transition included strategies for maintaining the continuity of organizational experience and expertise, as well as project funding, staffing, and timelines. It also signaled HAI’s commitment to global health equity by shifting decision-making authority and strategy to local leadership.

HAMNASA carries on the values and approach of HAI, adapted specifically to meet the systems, environment, and health challenges unique to Timor-Leste.

We encourage you to learn more about HAI’s history in Timor-Leste and 2021 transition by exploring the links provided.