The Low and Slow COVID-19 Pandemic of Timor-Leste

Abstract

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that has penetrated many countries including Timor-Leste. Being relatively new with frail healthcare system, lack of access to water and sanitation facilities, and high poverty level in addition to its proximity to Indonesia—a country with increasing number of infections and fatalities, it was expected that this country would be conquered by this public health threat. Conversely, it has managed to prevent community transmission, maintain low infection rate, and record zero deaths since the first case was confirmed on 21 March 2020. The country’s feat against this public health threat appears to be attributable to the immediate action of the government, support from international organizations, effective communication strategies, involvement of the church, and importance given to water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. The pandemic further emphasized the need of the country for more investments on the healthcare system. Nevertheless, despite the limitations on resources, the current tally of COVID-19 cases in TimorLeste manifests how a neophyte and small country with limited resources could respond to a global health dilemma. As the country slowly lifts restrictions, vigilance must be kept to sustain its initial success especially that new and more infective strains of the disease are being discovered.