The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, marking a historic public health milestone for the Southeast Asian nation.
This achievement follows more than two decades of determined efforts that began soon after the country’s independence in 2002. Malaria cases in Timor-Leste peaked at 223,000 in 2006 but have declined to zero indigenous cases since 2021.
In a statement released on Thursday, WHO credited the success to strong political commitment, effective public health strategies, and the dedication of health workers across the country.
“Timor-Leste’s elimination of malaria was driven by the Ministry of Health’s rapid establishment of the National Malaria Programme in 2003,” WHO noted. “Despite initially operating with only two full-time officers, the programme laid the groundwork for early and sustained progress through strong technical and managerial leadership.”
Health Minister Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral hailed the milestone, calling it a tribute to the lives lost and those now saved from a once-devastating disease.
“We did it. Malaria has been one of our most relentless enemies – silent, persistent, and deadly. From 223,000 cases to zero, this elimination honours every life lost and every life now saved,” Amaral said.
She highlighted key interventions such as the introduction of rapid diagnostic testing, artemisinin-based combination therapy, and the widespread distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying. These were scaled up significantly with support from the Global Fund starting in 2009.
Amid a shortage of health workers, the country expanded its three-tier healthcare system — including national hospitals, community health centers, and local health posts — to ensure widespread access to care. Mobile clinics and community outreach programs also played a critical role in reaching rural populations.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Timor-Leste on the achievement, stating that the country’s journey proves malaria elimination is possible with political will, strategic action, and sustained investment.
With this certification, Timor-Leste becomes the 48th country and the third in the WHO South-East Asia Region — after Maldives and Sri Lanka — to be declared malaria-free.
Certification is granted only after a country demonstrates, with rigorous evidence, the interruption of indigenous malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years.
WHO emphasized that Timor-Leste’s
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