Dili, March 14, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Health (MS) launched an outline of the national eye health strategy plan for 2026-2030, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of eye health problems in Timor-Leste.
National Director of Eye Health Prevention and Control, Doctor Florindo Pinto Gonzaga, said that this activity discussed the five-period eye health strategy plan starting from 2026-2030.
“Regarding today’s activity, we held a consultation workshop on the 2026-2030 strategic plan, today’s activity was accompanied by the Executive Directors of five hospitals, our specialist doctors and also our collaborating partners such as The Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF) and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS) who support our mechanism for the 2026-2030 strategic plan.” Said the Doctor.
He said that there are various types of eye disorders, such as cataracts, of which there are approximately 100 that have been successfully operated on.
“Looking at the public health threats related to the eyes, we have various eye problems that we face, be it Cataracts, Glaucoma, or Efactivefero. Regarding the exact number, I do not have the data, but at least we have more than 1000 cataracts, but the type of cataract that was successfully operated on from that number of cataracts, some are adults and many are caused by the use of mobile phones that are too long or dirty, there are also infections in the patient’s eyes which cause the eye crystals to freeze in the eye.” He informed.
On the other hand, FHF representative, Sara Webster said that they are very pleased to be able to collaborate with the Government of Timor-Leste, especially the Ministry of Health and HINGV to further strengthen eye health services in Timor-Leste.
“Today, we come to collaborate with the government of Timor-Leste, especially the Ministry of Health and also with all of you at HNGV to strengthen and reinforce eye health services, so far we have focused on strengthening eye health services at the district level, so that everyone in Timor-Leste can access eye health services, and until now doctors from our team and the Ministry of Health has succeeded in eye health services, but now there is an opportunity to continue to strengthen in the future.” Said the FHF representative
She also said that in 2020 they started an open national strategy plan for eye health and now it is an opportunity to create a five-year plan with the aim of strengthening the eye health sector.
“In 2020, we opened the national strategic plan for eye health and now it is time to make a five-year plan. This plan aims to focus on the eye health sector so that it does not run alone, but we also need to collaborate with the government and other partners to strengthen the eye health sector so that it can run more smoothly and successfully. Today, we are very happy because many people come here as motivation and we are very happy to collaborate and continue to support.” She added.
Today’s activity was also attended by the Executive Directors of five referral hospitals, namely Baucau, Maliana, Suia, Oe-cusse and Maubisse Referral Hospitals, as well as participation from the HNGV eye medical department and from the Medical Pharmacy Health Service, Medical Equipment Health Service, and from the HNGV Health Service, especially the HNGV Clinic Director and the Medical Pharmacy Health Service.
Reported by : Nélia
Picture by : Nélia