News - Oct 18, 2022 PacWastePlus engagement at the Pacific Regional Indicative Programme Technical Coordination Meeting

At the invitation of Timor-Leste NAO Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in coordination with the European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste, Mr. Lance Richman, the PacWastePlus Hazardous Waste Technical officer, attended virtually the Pacific Regional Indicative Programme Technical Coordination Meeting, for projects implemented in Timor-Leste, on July 28, 2022.

The technical meeting involved key stakeholders from the Pacific Region and Timor-Leste to discuss specific program implementation activities with the objective to facilitate better coordination and review best practices and lessons learned.

In attendance at the meeting were participants from the European Union Delegation in Timor-Leste and Fiji.  Timor-Leste representatives included staff from the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Fisheries, Public Works, and Secretary of State for Environment.  Several Pacific Region programs, i.e. PACRES, USP, SPIRIT, SPC, and PacWastePlus, presented their programme activities planned for implementation in Timor-Leste.

A short introductory session was recorded by Mr. Bradley Nolan (PacWastePlus Programme manager) introducing the PacWastePlus program and providing information on funding and key result areas.

Mr. Richman briefed out on the current PacWastePlus project program activities.  Timor-Leste program focus in the PacWastePlus program is healthcare waste and current activities tied to this work.

The three main objectives of the program include the development of a National Healthcare Waste Strategy for 2021-2026, addressing the Baucau Hospital ground contamination caused by the historic open burning of healthcare waste, and capacity building for healthcare workforce in several Timor Leste hospitals.