DILI, 24 June 2025 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MoALFF), through the National Directorate of Veterinary Services (NDVS), has stepped up efforts to raise public awareness on rabies prevention. The campaign is being carried out through social media, mainstream media outlets, and direct community outreach initiatives.
Agriculture Minister Marcos da Cruz emphasized the importance of timely vaccination: “If someone is bitten by a dog, they should immediately go to the nearest health center to receive a rabies vaccine—vaccination saves lives.”
Meanwhile, National Director of Veterinary Services Joanita Jong said rabies vaccines are available at all municipal agricultural service offices. She added that vaccination campaigns are actively underway in Dili, Covalima, Oé-Cusse, and Bobonaro.
Last year, the National Directorate of Veterinary Services (NDVS) vaccinated 48,745 dogs, 3,530 cats, and 249 monkeys, following the donation of approximately 200,000 rabies vaccine doses from the Australian Government to help curb the spread of the disease in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Jesuína Xavier
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
