Antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic use in Timor-Leste: building surveillance capacity with a One Health approach

Abstract

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The response to COVID-19 in Timor-Leste: lessons learnt

“…The Korea International Cooperation Agency contributed significantly to strengthening tuberculosis diagnostic capacity, including for PCR testing 12. Other investments were supported by the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security and the United Kingdom’s Fleming Fund, focused on diagnostic microbiology for infectious diseases testing and surveillance 7 9 13…”

“…Significant investment in improving health systems in Timor-Leste preceded the global pandemic, and strengthened diagnostic laboratory services and public health surveillance capacity provided a foundation for the rapid expansion required to respond to the challenge of COVID-19. [6][7][8][9] In 2018, a joint external evaluation (JEE) reviewed Timor-Leste's capacity to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to public health risks based on the International Health Regulations. 10 The JEE noted some strengths in the public health system, but also identified priority areas for improvement in emergency response…”

Nothing without connection” – participant perspectives and experiences of mentorship in capacity building in Timor-Leste

“…Menzies is an Australian medical research institute dedicated to improving Indigenous, global and tropical health. The Menzies program of work in Timor-Leste has focused on strengthening the country's local health system capacity to recognise and respond to infectious diseases, which remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality (32)(33)(34). The work is centred around a program of intensive side-by-side mentorship with mentors (expatriate Australian and Timorese) working alongside local Timorese colleagues across a range of settingslaboratory, clinical and surveillance; and across a number of professional disciplines in human and animal health -involving doctors, nurses, public health staff, laboratory scientists and technicians, and veterinary staff.…”

Strong relationships between the Northern Territory of Australia and Timor-Leste

“…The STRONG TL project has supported development of empirical antibiotic guidelines and Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) guidelines, which have built a strong foundation for future capacity-building programs. 5 In 2019, Menzies was awarded the Fleming Fund Country Grant to Timor-Leste, which has funded significant investment in capacity for antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use surveillance in human health and animal health in Timor-Leste. The Fleming Fund Country Grant has facilitated significant expansion and refurbishment of the LNS microbiology laboratory, as well as installation and use of advanced diagnostic microbiology equipment for automated organism identification and AST.…”