02/08/2026
As I leave Timor-Leste today, it could feel like the end of an incredible journey as we complete the trial phase of the Basic Emergency Life Support (BELS) Project. But rather than sadness, I leave with a sense of optimism and pride in what has been achieved.
The real goal has always been much bigger than delivering training. It has been about building a sustainable first aid and emergency care capability that will continue to strengthen the health and wellbeing of the Timorese people long into the future.
The next chapter is critical. Continued support, collaboration, and investment will be needed to turn this momentum into lasting improvements in emergency healthcare across Timor-Leste—changes that will save lives for many years to come.
Over the past three weeks alone, together we have achieved some remarkable milestones:
• 24 additional healthcare workers on Atauro Island completed BELS training. Combined with the 66 trained last year, the majority of healthcare staff currently working on the island have now received emergency care training.
• 42 remote clinic staff from SABEH and the Order of Malta Clinic completed BELS training, strengthening emergency care in some of the country's most isolated communities.
• 41 ambulance clinicians refreshed and expanded their emergency care skills, improving both everyday patient care and preparedness for upcoming major sporting events.
• 8 Emergency Department staff from the National Hospital further developed their resuscitation skills to enhance critical patient care.
Beyond these achievements, the project's impact will continue to grow. From next year, it is anticipated that around 40,000 school students across Timor-Leste will receive introductory first aid training, helping to build a generation with the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency.
Mentoring has also been provided to strengthen emergency care systems in several healthcare centres, ensuring that improvements extend beyond the classroom into everyday clinical practice.
This is not the end—it's the beginning of something much bigger. The vision is to make first aid knowledge and emergency care skills accessible throughout Timor-Leste. Achieving that vision will rely on the ongoing commitment of local leaders, healthcare professionals, communities, and international partners working together.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey in some way. Together, we are helping build a stronger, safer future where more lives can be saved.
