Table 1 Summary of actors’ roles and their contributions to the MTP development

Ministry of Health

Develop malaria policies, coordinate and implement the malaria control program

Draft the protocol, lead process and finalisation of the protocol.

World Health Organization country office in Timor-Leste

Provide technical assistance needed by the MoH including policy development

Draft the protocol, search for evidence from the literature and seek advice from malaria experts in other countries. Assist the MoH in protocol formulation, completion and official approval.

Non-government organizations (HNI, CARE International, CRS, HAI)

Implement malaria control program particularly in health promotion and prevention activities

Some clinicians working with the NGOs provide technical expertise in relation to drug dosages and the application of the protocol in the IMCI program.

Bilateral – USAID through its agency TAIS

Implementing Child Survival Programs – mainly involved in ITN distribution

Contribute inputs to the finalisation of the draft protocol.

USAID offered to conduct SP efficacy study, but this was not taken forward.

Cuban Medical Brigade

Provide curative service but also health promotion and prevention activities.

Contribute to the finalisation of the draft protocol and Spanish translation.

Medical Association

Provide curative service, health promotion and prevention activities.

Contribute to the finalisation of the draft protocol, translation and socialisation.

Private Clinics

Curative service

One private clinic had used Artemisinin-based combination therapy prior to the official adoption by the MoH.

National Commission for Protocol Finalisation

The NCPF members drawn from the various organisations

Finalise the draft protocol, approve the MTP text, translate the MTP into Tetum and Spanish, and conduct socialisation.

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Provide funding for the Malaria Control Program

The Global Fund created the MWG. The MWG was instrumental to the proposed idea of changing MTP for P. falciparum from SP to AL. Assist with the literature review to find evidence for changing the protocol and assist with drafting the protocol.

External expert

WHO SEARO had expertise in guideline development and RBM strategies

Provide advice on the protocol and development of the treatment guidelines including the formulation of drug dosages.

WHO-Regional Office and Mahidol University

Mahidol University provided pharmacological expertise