Timor-Leste announced worlds ‘most improved’ in the health-related SDG index
Minister of State and of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Dili, September 27th, 2016
Timor-Leste announced worlds ‘most improved’ in the health-related SDG index
A major study, launched at the United Nations on Wednesday the 21st of September and published in the medical journal the Lancet, has rated Timor-Leste as the most improved of 188 nations in the health-related Sustainable Development Goals index for the period 2000-2015.
The study, titled Measuring the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in 188 countries: a baseline analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, reviewed data to estimate the performance of 188 countries against 33 health-related SDG indicators for the period 1990-2015. This review of past performance helps to create a baseline against which the new SDG indicators can be considered.
The study said that “in Timor-Leste changes in the health-related SDG index were largely driven by improvements in Universal Health Coverage tracer interventions, skilled birth attendance, met need with modern contraception, under-5 and neonatal mortality, childhood stunting, risk exposure to unsafe water and sanitation, and mortality from war or conflict.”
It also highlighted that “in more recent years, health-care reform and financing have topped policy agendas in Timor-Leste, including the Ministry of Health’s roll-out of a Basic Health Services Package and Hospital Services Package”.
This world’s best improvement is to be celebrated whilst recognizing there is still much to be done. Timor-Leste’s ranking on the index is now 122 of the 188 nations measured.
The Sixth Constitutional Government has implemented major health programs since February 2015 to make sure this excellent progress is not just maintained but accelerated. The National Immunization Campaign for Measles, Rubella and Polio reaching over of 96% children under the age of 15, the launch of the Comprehensive Package of Primary Health Care and the Health Program in the Family, and the development and passing of the Tobacco Control Regime with its education campaign and support services are some of the highlights.
Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira noted “to be recognized as making the most improvement in health reminds that we are moving well. We use this kind of encouragement to press on with even more vigor to improve the health and wellbeing of our people.” ENDS
