Manatuto, 24-28 February 2026 – The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) successfully conducted a five-day Basic Training on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Emergency Situations from 24–28 February 2026 in Carlilo Sub-Village, Aiteas Village, Manatuto Vila Post Administrative, Manatuto Municipality.
The training was officially opened by the Secretary General of CVTL, Mr. Agapito da Silva, alongside the Vice President of the Municipal Council of Directive (CDM) of the CVTL Manatuto Branch, Mrs. Joanita do Rosário; the Representative of the Manatuto Municipal Water Supply, Sanitation and Water Service (SMASA), Mr. André Policarpio; the Representative of the Manatuto Municipal Health Service; the Second Commander of PNTL Manatuto Vila Police Station, Assistant Inspector Mr. Paul Escurial; and the Representative of the Manatuto Vila Post Administrative Authority, Mr. Miguel Kati.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General highlighted that Timor-Leste remains vulnerable to disasters such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, which pose significant risks to public health. He emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity in water, sanitation, and hygiene to ensure rapid and effective emergency response, particularly in preventing diseases related to unsafe water and poor sanitation. He encouraged all participants to fully engage in the training and expressed his appreciation to the facilitators and partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Japanese Red Cross Society, for their financial and technical support.
Ms. Ewinur C. Machdar, Regional WASH Coordinator from the IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Office, explained that the training applied a participatory methodology, combining theoretical sessions, group discussions, case studies, practical exercises, and emergency simulations. This approach aimed to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and practical skills for effective emergency response.
A total of 26 participants (7 female and 19 male) attended the training. They included CVTL volunteers from the Ainaro, Dili, Liquiçá, Manatuto, and Manufahi Branches, branch coordinators from Baucau, Dili, Lautém, and Manatuto, as well as CVTL WASH technicians.
The training was facilitated by Ms. Ewinur C. Machdar, Regional WASH Coordinator (IFRC Asia Pacific Regional Office); Mr. Agung Lestyawan, WASH Specialist Volunteer from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI); Mr. Stuart Bryan, WASH Facilitator; and Mr. Juvinal Barreto, Nutrition Program Manager and WASH Facilitator of CVTL. The activity was accompanied by Mr. João Pinto, CVTL Health Coordinator, and Mr. Macário Santos Lopes, Senior Program Officer of the IFRC in Timor-Leste.
This activity was made possible through the generous support of the Japanese Red Cross Society via the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Asia Pacific Regional Office, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening local capacity and enhancing community resilience across Timor-Leste.
