HoHA began working in Timor Leste in 2013.
Musculoskeletal pain and disability is a low priority for healthcare authorities in Timor Leste. Many Timorese who live in poverty must rely on heavy, repetitive physical work to earn an income. The incidence of muscle, joint and back pain is therefore very high. There are few opportunities to access safe, affordable care for the relief of pain.
The HoHA Sustainable Training, Treatment, Employment Program (STTEP) trains local health professionals in soft-tissue therapy techniques, which can be implement in clinics and hospitals. This brings relief to many people suffering from acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems. A small team of academics and clinical advisors have developed the curriculum for this program, receiving regular local community input to ensure that our training program remains consistent with the needs of the local community.
