The Covid-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges
around the world and Timor-Leste is no exception. Despite volatile
economic performance, consistent low levels of health spending, and
bureaucratic fragility associated with young democratic institutions,
Timor-Leste is one of the few nations that has mitigated the virus
effectively. We consider the first-hand accounts of healthcare and NGO
workers, community leaders, and Ministry of Health officials
responding to the Covid-19 pandemic in assessing the effectiveness of
‘South-South’ development partnerships and co-operation. Our analysis
of interview data collected during April and May show that Timor-
Leste’s success in responding to the pandemic is a product of the
continuing efforts of genuine partnerships and international aid. We
argue that despite criticism of the development effectiveness agenda
following the 2011 Busan Forum, on-the-ground accounts in Timor-Leste
display the value of unconditional partnerships, mutually defined goals,
and development cooperation in combatting the pandemic. This research
contributes to the literature on development effectiveness and is the first of its kind
characterising the Timorese response to the Covid-19 pandemic.