Timor-Leste: Health sector resilience and performance in times of instability
Timor-Leste Health and Development Research Forum 24 October 2008
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Background: One of the major impacts of the conflict in Timor-Leste during 2006 was massive population displacement in Dili and surrounding areas. Up to 150,000 people were forced from their homes to live in IDP camps, with relatives, in churches or in schools. Alongside insecurity and population displacement was significant disruption to essential services including health.
Aim: The purpose of the study was to document the broad impact of the turmoil and instability on the health sector. While some services functioned well, others faced considerable challenges and disruption. The research identified key lessons and insights surrounding successes and obstacles experienced when providing and coordinating health services during the period of instability. It is hoped that the research results will strengthen the health sector in Timor-Leste and be of relevance to long-term disaster and emergency planning in Timor-Leste and other countries.
Approach: Building on existing data and analyses, a team from Australia and Timor-Leste conducted extensive research (including: document analyses, site visits, observations, interviews, and focus group discussions) in Dili and peripheral districts. The Timor-Leste Ministry of Health, UN agencies, health service providers, local and international NGOs and key stakeholders (including affected communities) were consulted. The research was conducted over 6 months from July 2006 to Decemeber 2006.
The research was supported by the Ministry of Health, Timor-Leste, and funded by AusAID. It was, however, independently conducted by the SPHCM. Reporting of results and recommendations will be presented in workshops and publications. Practical recommendations will aim to feed into the policy and coordination structures. Comments and advice from stakeholders will be welcomed.
Research Team: The team comprised of Australian and Timorese researchers from a range of institutions - The University of New South Wales, Universidade da Paz, Menzies School of Health Research (CDU); and The Australian National University.
Contacts: For further information about the study please contact:
Professor Anthony Zwi (Team Leader):
a.zwi@unsw.edu.au ;+61412688445
David Traynor (Research Associate):
d.traynor@unsw.edu.au ; +61 2 93858761
The research report produced is available for download below:
Research Report
Timor-Leste: Health sector resilience and performance in times of instability
Useful Resources:
The research team have amassed a considerable database of reports and articles to provide background and context to the research. Please contact the research team with enquires for a list of interesting readings. In addition the following websites may be of use: