Bangkok, Thailand – 20 October 2025 – The Regional Public Health Laboratory (RPHL) Network officially launched the Short-Term Secondment to Strengthen the Toxicology Laboratory of Timor-Leste, a specialized training program designed for three participants from the National Institute of Public Health, Timor-Leste (NIPH-TL) to enhance critical toxicology skills. The opening was presided over by Dr. Watcharapong Kumla, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand.
The two-week program, held from 20–31 October 2025, is organized by the RPHL Network in collaboration with the Bureau of Quality and Safety of Food (BQSF), Department of Medical Sciences, Thailand, and supported by The Global Fund. The training follows the Technical Assistance Agreement between Thailand and Timor-Leste, signed on 26 June 2025 under the leadership of Dr. Yongyot Thammavudhi, former Director-General of DMSc.
During his opening remarks, Dr. Watcharapong Kumla emphasized the broader significance of the collaboration: “This collaboration not only benefits our respective institutes but also contributes to better preparedness in public health across the region.”
Dr. Wischada Jongmevasna, Director of BQSF, delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting Thailand’s commitment to supporting Timor-Leste through technical cooperation: “Through this technical collaboration, we aim to enhance public health services in Timor-Leste under the framework of the signed agreement.”
Jintana Sriwongsa, Regional Programme Director of the RPHL Network, shared: “Peer-to-peer support is powerful. Thailand has long spearheaded mentoring within the network. We will continue follow-up sessions and technical support with BQSF to ensure Timor-Leste’s health services are strengthened.”
The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, strengthening laboratory techniques, quality assurance, and toxicology practices. This initiative reflects Thailand’s ongoing commitment to regional collaboration and sustainable public health capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region.
Through this collaboration, the RPHL Network continues to promote regional partnership and respond to members needs in Asia-Pacific region.
