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Strengthening Regional Pandemic Preparedness: Timor-Leste Red Cross Participates in CoEPP Friends Dialogue in Singapore on 20-22 May 2025
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic-a global crisis that left deep scars on all aspects of daily life-the importance of robust, sustained pandemic preparedness has become a top priority across Southeast Asia. As the world continues to recover, regional efforts to strengthen and mature preparedness systems have become more urgent and essential.
A significant milestone in this journey was the CoEPP Friends Dialogue, held in Singapore from 20-22 May 2025. This forum brought together Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from across Southeast Asia in support of national governments’ efforts. Hosted by the Singapore Red Cross through the Center of Excellence for Pandemic Preparedness (CoEPP), the dialogue served as a platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and partnerships aimed at ensuring future readiness.
Representing the Timor-Leste Red Cross (CVTL) were two delegates from the Central Health Division: Mr. João Pinto Soares, Health and WASH Coordinator, and Mr. Juvenal Barreto, Health Program Manager. Over three days, they participated in discussions focused on collaborative approaches to future pandemics, the exchange of good practices, and the strengthening of systems and resources to better respond to global health threats.
The forum, an initiative of the Singapore Red Cross, marked its fifth year as a regional learning and coordination hub on pandemic preparedness. It highlighted the importance of a unified vision among national societies-building systems that are resilient, adaptive, and responsive to both current and emerging health threats.
During the best practice exchange sessions, CVTL shared several initiatives, including its community-based health programs, the ongoing Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) project (despite current limitations), and its close collaboration with the Ministry of Health in responding to COVID-19. These experiences underscore the critical role of strong national society systems as the foundation for effective preparedness and response during crises.
An especially insightful session featured Prof. Paul Ananth Tambyah, an infectious disease expert from the National University Hospital of Singapore. He stressed the importance of the One Health approach-an integrated strategy recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. He also highlighted the need for robust diagnostic systems, well-equipped healthcare facilities, and innovative vaccine development.
Participants also visited the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) in Singapore. This field trip offered delegates-including those from Timor-Leste-a firsthand look at integrated disease management, from surveillance to clinical care and the use of negative pressure isolation rooms. For countries with fragile systems, such as Timor-Leste, the visit inspired a vision of transformation-both in health infrastructure and in public mindset-towards a more prepared and resilient future.
Another highlight was the introduction of the Pandemic Preparedness Profile, a tool to assess and map the preparedness of national societies across Southeast Asia. It also provides opportunities for cross-border collaboration, enhanced communication, and joint resource mobilization. In this regard, CVTL emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources as a core part of its strategic planning. A key example is the recent MoU between CVTL and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI)-a step forward in bilateral collaboration.
“We strongly support this forum’s initiative. Over the past five years, it has become an essential platform for building integrated resilience. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that collaboration and shared learning among national societies are key to enhancing CVTL’s preparedness for future pandemics,” said Mr. João Pinto Soares, CVTL Health and WASH Coordinator.
Looking ahead, CoEPP plans several follow-up initiatives, including cross-focal point dialogues, the use of artificial intelligence for seasonal disease mapping, and the enhancement of public information through its official website. [https://coepp.redcross.sg] (https://coepp.redcross.sg).
CVTL’s participation in this forum is a strong signal that, although the peak of the pandemic has passed, the work of the National Society is far from over. As an auxiliary to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL)-especially the Ministry of Health-CVTL continues to play a vital role. Past experiences have opened the door to a new chapter: one that calls for strengthened cooperation, collaboration, and integration to build systems that are relevant and effective for RDTL. This ensures that when new threats emerge, we are prepared and able to respond collectively and effectively.
The facts and ongoing challenges serve as a reference point for all of us-to contribute, whether in small or large ways, through financial support, human resources, technical expertise, or community action. Even the simple activities carried out by CVTL reflect the importance of this shared responsibility.
