A key initiative to boost Timor-Lesteโ€™s COVID-19 response concludes successfully

An important initiative, which contributed to Timor-Lesteโ€™s efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, has successfully achieved its objective of expanding equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

The Activity awarded a grant of $320,000 initially, followed by an additional grant of $106,178, to local NGO Hamutuk Nasaun Saudavel (HAMNASA) for implementation of the โ€˜COVID19 SAFEโ€™ initiative. Since its launch in January 2022, HAMNASA has worked closely with the MOH and municipality health services to disseminate COVID-19 information and conduct community mobilization to address vaccine hesitancy.

As of June 2023, more than 80,000+ people aged 12 years and above in the targeted six municipalities had received COVID-19 vaccinations as a result of the direct support provided by the Activity in collaboration with HAMNASA, as well as the support from the MOH, municipal health services, and health care professionals.