Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey: May 2020 - May 2021

Abstract

The COVID-19, or coronavirus global pandemic has required huge responses from governments all over the world; and Timor-Leste has its own unique requirements when addressing an evolving event of this magnitude. This report synthesizes the findings of six survey rounds undertaken by The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) in Timor-Leste, from May 2020 to May 2021.1 This work was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the Governance for Development (Gadd) program. In partnership with local partner MDI (Mata Dilan Institute), six phone surveys were conducted at bi-monthly intervals. With support from ORIMA Research, the findings of each survey round were made available through reports and fact sheets in both English and Tetum. The data from these survey rounds was shared with key stakeholders in government and other development partners; and enabled the Foundation to better understand the concerns of the people of Timor-Leste; how well they are adopting prevention measures and taking care of their health; the level of trust in Government; the use of, and satisfaction with, government programs; the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated control measures; the resilience of individuals and communities; and the sources of news and information the people of Timor-Leste are relying on to stay informed about the pandemic. By synthesizing the information available across the survey rounds in this report, we are able to see how people’s perceptions, understandings and practices changed over time. This in turn will hopefully, inform a more strategic and responsive policy response from government.