Dili, 05 June 2026 (Media Democracia) – World Health Organization Representative in Timor-Leste Asks the Universidade Nasionál Timor Lorosa’e to Increase Chiropractic Material in the Curriculum Because Timor-Leste Currently Also Has an Integrated Health Program.
The World Health Organization Representative, Arvind Mathur, said WHO wants to thank UNTL for working together with foundations from the Philippines and Australia that organized a workshop on Chiropractic, because there are many such cases in Timor-Leste but people don’t get much information because they don’t place importance on this issue.
“This workshop today discusses the topic of Chiropractic because looking at Timor there are many cases, but there are people who suffer from back pain. We see that people who sit for long periods sometimes have back pain. This is something our population needs to know scientifically. In Timor there are many cases but many people don’t have information about it.” said World Health Organization Representative Arvind Mathur to journalists at the Pusat Budaya Hall, Monday (01/06).
He added, therefore, thanks to the Universidade Nasionál Timor Lorosa’e for also giving the World Health Organization the opportunity to come and share information about this.
“Therefore, thanks to UNTL for giving WHO the opportunity to also share information and thoughts on today’s topic they discussed about Chiropractic or people who have problems with back pain and physical conditions. What has started now is what UNTL has already done, how to increase knowledge about these diseases but also include Chiropractic in the curriculum. Because based on our program that we are now doing regarding the integrated health program, we have found many cases related to these problems.” he said.
Because of this, this is an important matter that the Universidade Nasionál Timor Lorosa’e has started and established with support from other partners, therefore WHO is always ready to provide technical support and work together with UNTL.
In the same place, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universidade Nasional Timor Lorosa’e, Lídia Gomes, informed that the Faculty wants to learn good practices and knowledge from other countries to be able to strengthen health education and prepare health professional candidates to carry out Chiropractic programs in Timor-Leste.
“Therefore, going forward we will review the Curriculum and include Chiropractic material in the Medicine, Nursing, and Midwifery school Curricula, so that students can learn about this area.” said the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universidade Nasional Timor Lorosa’e, Lídia Gomes.
She said that so far UNTL has just started cooperating with partners from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to review the curriculum and integrate Chiropractic material into the learning system.
“With this, the objective of the Chiropractic workshop organized by FMCS UNTL today is to open a stage for academic dialogue with all relevant parties, to share knowledge and explore international experience regarding the Chiropractic program.” she said.
Timor-Leste faces major challenges regarding muscular and skeletal system problems, which are often linked to the heavy work that people do, because patients frequently complain about neck pain, back pain, and shoulder pain due to incorrect posture during work.
“Chiropractic is a complementary approach to help improve body movement and function, and also promote well-being for patients. The implementation of the Chiropractic program will be based on scientific evidence and existing regulations, to be able to help the health system in the preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative areas in Timor-Leste.” she explained.
Because signs and symptoms of various diseases must first be consulted with health professionals and undergo laboratory exams to determine the correct case before receiving appropriate treatment.
“Chiropractic isn’t done by just anyone, but must be done by health professionals who understand well about human health.” she said.
Likewise, the Representative of the Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Jaime Andre Simon, informed that this Workshop represents an important phase in the path to developing modern rehabilitation services in Timor-Leste.
“I have great hope that in the near future, our country will have qualified professionals in the areas of Chiropractic and Kinesiotherapy who are ready to serve the Timorese people with professionalism, competence, and dedication.” he said.
He said health is a fundamental right and serves as an important foundation for the well-being of individuals, families, and the entire community. Health isn’t only about curing disease, but also about prevention, health promotion, recovery, and improving people’s quality of life.
“We observe that problems related to muscles and bones, spinal pain, incorrect posture, and other such conditions are increasing in our society. These problems affect productivity, work capacity, independence, and the dignity of many people. Therefore, rehabilitation services must become a priority in the development of the national health system. I firmly believe that Chiropractic and Kinesiotherapy can bring major positive changes to Timor-Leste.” he said.
These two areas work together to provide assistance for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, with the objective of helping people regain normal movement, reduce suffering, and increase their capacity to live independently.
Meanwhile, the Workshop was attended by relevant government members such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Higher Education, professors, students, and national and international partners.
Reporting: Trainees Julia and Leozalia
Photo: Trainee Julia