Dili, 26 March 2026 — Hamutuk Nasaun Saudável (HAMNASA) and the Australian Government, officially launched a Tuberculosis (TB) program in Dili. The ceremony also marked the public launch of HAMNASA’s Biannual Report 2024–2025, highlighting key achievements, lessons learned, and organizational resilience following significant funding challenges in 2025.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including DFAT Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Edward Wilkinson; the National Director of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Heitor da Costa Pereira; the Director General of INSP-TL, Dr. Gregorio Rangel; the representative of The Asia Foundation Timor-Leste, Ms. Xylia Ingham; as well as other key figures from the Ministry of Health, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners.
This initiative builds on HAMNASA’s strong collaboration with the Ministry of Health and continued support to the National TB Program, complementing existing interventions funded by the Global Fund. With a total investment of US$990,000 (AUD 1.5 million) over two and a half years, the project will be implemented in Dili municipality, aiming to improve the quality, equity, and reach of TB services for the general population and vulnerable groups.
During the ceremony, the National Director of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Heitor da Costa Pereira welcomed the collaboration and emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening the national response to tuberculosis:
“TB is a major concern in Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Health cannot work alone, it needs the participation and collaboration of development partners and implementing partners in the process of TB elimination.”
Together, through partnership and innovation, we are strengthening the national response to TB and working toward a healthier Timor-Leste.