Learnings from the Establishment of a Health Financing Unit in Timor-Leste

The MOH has been working in collaboration with development partners to develop the Timor-Leste Health Financing Strategy (HFS) 2019-2023 as a strategic approach to building sustainable financing for the health system. The HFS recommends four interventions to address the country's health financing situation. The HFS identifies the need to establish a functional unit within the MOH to monitor and continually assess implementation of the strategy. This unit, known as the Health Financing Unit (HFU), is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the HFS and ensuring that the health system is financially sustainable. The HFU was officially launched by the MOH after approval by the MOH's Council of Directors. The launch marked a significant milestone in the implementation of the HFS and the establishment of a functional unit within the MOH to oversee health financing. The establishment of the HFU was facilitated by a series of key milestones, including a focused brainstorming session that promoted open dialogue and ownership among MOH directors during the development of the HFU's Terms of Reference. A health financing orientation was also convened to facilitate the process of identifying potential members of the HFU. The HFU's establishment was also supported by technical assistance (TA) from the USAID Health System Sustainability Activity. The TA helped to strengthen the HFU's capacity to function effectively and sustainably. The HFU's initial functions were implemented through a 'soft launch' approach, which enabled the unit to undertake its initial functions without delay. The HFU's establishment has provided a platform for the MOH to monitor and assess the implementation of the HFS. The unit's functions include overseeing the implementation of the HFS, providing technical assistance to the MOH, and ensuring that the health system is financially sustainable. The experience of establishing the HFU in Timor-Leste has provided valuable lessons for global audiences. The establishment of the HFU demonstrates the importance of having a functional unit within the MOH to oversee health financing. The HFU's establishment also highlights the need for technical assistance and capacity strengthening to support the effective functioning of the unit. The HFU's upcoming priorities include continuing to oversee the implementation of the HFS, providing technical assistance to the MOH, and ensuring that the health system is financially sustainable. The HFU's establishment is a significant step towards achieving the MOH's goal of increasing public health budget allocations and ensuring that the health system is financially sustainable. The Timor-Leste Health Financing Strategy (HFS) 2019-2023 is a strategic approach to building sustainable financing for the health system. The HFS recommends four interventions to address the country's health financing situation, including the establishment of a functional unit within the MOH to monitor and continually assess implementation of the strategy. The HFS was developed by the MOH in collaboration with development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO). The HFS was approved in October 2019 and provides a framework for the MOH to implement sustainable financing for the health system. The HFS identifies the need to establish a functional unit within the MOH to oversee the implementation of the strategy. The unit, known as the Health Financing Unit (HFU), is responsible for monitoring and assessing the implementation of the HFS and ensuring that the health system is financially sustainable.