DILI, 25 april 2023 (TATOLI)— The Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Malaria Program Coordinator in Timor-Leste (TL), Raul Sarmento appealed to all residents in Timor-Leste to prevent malaria mosquito bites.
This was said in celebration of World Malaria Day which falls every April 25. Meanwhile, the 2023 celebration is commemorated with the theme ‘Time to make malaria-free: investment, innovation, implementation’.
“World Malaria Day Celebration, where the whole world celebrates, and this year’s event with the theme ‘It’s time to become malaria free’ through investment, innovation and implementation’. In our country, I advise the public to keep preventing mosquito bites by sleeping in mosquito nets, maintaining cleanliness, and so on,” said Raul Sarmento, to Tatoli, at his office in Lahane Dili, this Tuesday.
He recalled that in 2006, TL had recorded more than 2,000 cases of malaria, but after 2021, TL succeeded in eradicating malaria.
“Timor-Leste is also a member of the Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO), which deals with public health issues. In September, SEARO representatives will conduct an audit of the malaria problem in Timor-Leste and certify our country as a malaria-free country. To get this recognition, all parties must work actively to eradicate malaria disease,” he said.
According to Sarmento, with this certification, TL will open more opportunities in the tourism and economic sectors. So it is necessary to focus on services to combat malaria in all municipalities and border areas.
In addition, Emílio Pascoal, a student of the Timor-Leste National University (UNTL) taking up a Nursing Course, emphasized that malaria cases are an endless problem. Concerning this issue, he described his concern with the shortage of medicines in hospitals and health centers.
Journalist: Mirandolina Barros Soares
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: José Belarmino de Sa
