2021 – Timor Leste – Floods/COVID-19

The NCCTRC and AUSMAT have had a longstanding relationship with Timor-Leste and have provided medical support for a range of major events including the Tour De Timor mountain bike race. In April 2021, heavy rain caused significant flash flooding in Dili and other parts of Timor-Leste, causing widespread damage to key infrastructure including arterial roads, bridges and government facilities and significantly compounded Timor-Leste’s existing vulnerability to COVID-19 transmission, placing additional pressure on Timorese health systems.

The Government of Timor-Leste sought assistance from Australia and AUSMAT was deployed in response to the significant surge in COVID-19 cases in the aftermath of the floods. Team Alpha focussed on assessment of immediate medical response, provided expert technical advice and support and bolstered the healthcare system implementing IPC frameworks and acute health care needs.

In September 2021, AUSMAT’s Alpha mission was extended with 8 personnel returning to Timor-Leste to support the nation’s on-going public health response to the COVID-19 crisis and bolster overwhelmed medical teams in Lahane, Vera Cruz and Guido Valadares National Hospital.