DILI, 05 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The World Health Organization (WHO) handed over 10,000 vials of rabies vaccine, 1,000 doses of rabies immunoglobulin, information materials, and an ELISA laboratory machine to the Ministry of Health.
The support comes as Timor-Leste faces the spread of rabies, which first appeared in Oecusse last year and has now reached seven municipalities.
“Rabies, as we all know, is 100% fatal. But it is also 100% preventable. Vaccination is the strongest weapon we have, both to prevent the disease and to save lives after exposure,” WHO’s Representative, Arvin Mathur said during the handover ceremony held in Dili, on Friday.
The vaccines will be sent to high-risk health centers to ensure quick treatment for people most at risk. Mathur recalled that since the first rabies case reported in March 2024, it has supported the Ministry with vaccines and immunoglobulin, and worked with Indonesia and India to secure more doses.
WHO and the Ministry also launched an awareness campaign in Bobonaro, the district with the highest number of animal rabies cases. The campaign begins in 18 schools and will later expand to communities. It includes practical lessons on wound washing, child-friendly materials, and door-to-door education.
Alongside rabies prevention, WHO provided an ELISA machine to strengthen testing for measles and rubella, helping Timor-Leste maintain disease elimination.
The Ministry also launched the STEP survey on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and an assessment of NCD services across the country. The survey aims to identify major health risks and improve services in hospitals and communities.
Mathur said the handover and new initiatives reflect strong cooperation with the Ministry of Helath to build a safer and more resilient health system for the people of Timor-Leste.
The ceremony was attended by Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral, Minister of Health; José dos Reis Magno, Vice-Minister for the Strengthening of Health Institutions; and several Directors-General.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
