DILI, 25 March 2025 (TATOLI) – The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health (MoH) held a meeting with the Presidents of Municipality Authorities to establish a policy and action plan to combat tobacco use and other risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Timor-Leste.
The Chief Representative of WHO in Timor-Leste, Arvind Marthur, said, In Timor-Leste, four out of 10 students aged 13–15 years consume tobacco products. Amongst youth, the smoking prevalence is around 37%—the highest in the Southeast Asia Region.
“Too many people are putting themselves at the risk of life-threatening diseases, premature death, and disability. Also, tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death and a major driver of NCDs. The Chief Representative of WHO in Timor-Leste, Arvind Marthur, told reporters at Hotel Timor, Colmera Dili, on Tuesday.
He said, as per WHO 2021 data, NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer are responsible for 51.1% of all deaths in Timor-Leste, estimated to cause around 1000 deaths annually.
Even though tobacco use is the most preventable risk factor for NCDs, it remains a major public health hazard, particularly among our children and vulnerable populations, undermining economic growth and sustainable development.
It’s clear that without urgent, decisive action, the economic and social costs will continue to escalate, hindering national progress and prosperity.
“As Presidents of Municipal Authorities, you are at the forefront of this fight. Your leadership is indispensable. Evidence from countries worldwide shows that when local leaders implement WHO-recommended policies—including tobacco-free public spaces, stronger enforcement of bans on tobacco advertising, raising public awareness with robust community education, and ensuring implementation of NCD prevention and control in line with Integrated Health Service Delivery (PIS)—significant reductions in tobacco use and NCDs follow,” he outlined.
Today’s meeting is not just another consultation—it is a call to action. All of us are not only working to combat tobacco use but also promoting a culture of wellness. Your municipalities hold the power to transform communities by promoting healthier lifestyles, protecting future generations, and breaking the deadly cycle of tobacco and NCDs.
It goes without saying that WHO stands firmly with the Government of Timor-Leste to accelerate implementation of the National Strategic Plan for NCD prevention and control in achieving the SDG target 3.4 on reducing premature mortality from NCDs and to fully implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
“Let us collectively strive towards a future where all citizens have fresh air to breathe both outside and inside of their houses and workplaces, live healthier and better, and prosper in a stronger and more resilient Timor-Leste. Let us work together, with urgency and resolve, for creating a healthier, tobacco-free future for Timor-Leste,” he added.
At the same place, José dos Reis Magno, Vice Minister for Institutional Strengthening in Health, appreciated this workshop and said Timor-Leste is facing emergency and complex challenges regarding tobacco consumption, which has a 70% risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease.
“These diseases not only affect the lives of our citizens but also the health system and our national economy,” he said.
Vice Minister Magno underlined that the government will continue to strive to reduce people smoking in public places; therefore, the government, through the Ministry of Health, will create a smoke-free environment and conduct socialization in schools through the media, television, and radio to broadcast the dangers of smoking on health.
In addition, the Ministry of Health will continue to assist people who stop smoking and conduct socialization to encourage farmers not to plant tobacco to avoid smoking in Timor-Leste.
He confirmed that combating tobacco use is the responsibility of all of us because of that. Ask all the presidents of the municipal authority to work together with the communities on how to stop smoking to ensure the people’s health and more productivity and resilience.
“I ask all of your commitment and your effort to work together in reducing tobacco consumption to prevent non-communicable diseases and ensuring the well-being of the upcoming future,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
