The Minister of Health, Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral, during her visit to New York, where she took part in the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and related events in New York, held several bilateral meetings with representatives of various countries and organisations to strengthen international cooperation to enhance Timor-Leste’s health system.

With the Cuban Minister of Health on September 19^th, Minister Élia Amaral expressed her gratitude for the long-standing cooperation, especially in training Timorese doctors, which has contributed significantly to the development of human resources in the country’s health sector.

On September 20^th, she met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, another important partner, in a meeting in which the Minister of Health acknowledged her for her support during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included the donation of ambulances, vaccines and medical equipment, as well as maternal and childcare programs in Timor-Leste.

On September 21^st, representatives from Nepal and Bangladesh discussed possibilities for future collaboration in health, emphasising training Timorese doctors and joint health programmes.

On September 22^nd, the Minister of Health held several bilateral meetings, most notably with the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanam Ghebreyesus. During this meeting, Élia Amaral thanked the WHO for its continued support and requested assistance to eliminate malaria, dengue fever and other tropical diseases in Timor-Leste. The WHO reiterated its commitment to continue supporting the strengthening of national health.

The Minister also had the opportunity to meet with the Portuguese Minister of Health, Manuel Pizarro, where they discussed the importance of continued cooperation between Timor-Leste and Portugal, which has been a solid partner for Timor-Leste, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, on the 22^nd, the Ministers of Indonesia and the Maldives discussed possibilities for cooperation in the health sector, including strengthening the training of health professionals.

Lastly, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Health met with Australia’s Ambassador for Health Security in the Indo-Pacific Region, Stephanie Williams. In this meeting, Minister Élia Amaral expressed gratitude for Australia’s support to Timor-Leste in health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Australia has contributed technical support, health equipment, infrastructure, and vaccines against COVID-19, demonstrating its continued commitment to strengthening the Timorese health system.