DILI, 10 february 2026 (TATOLI) — The Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mariano Assanami Sabino, met with Dr. Arvind Mathur, Country Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Timor-Leste, to discuss strategies for preventing dengue, a disease that continues to pose a threat to public health.
The meeting focused on sharing information and defining a coordinated response plan to dengue cases, which have been increasing daily.
Mathur briefed the Vice-Prime Minister on WHO’s ongoing technical collaboration with the Ministry of Health, particularly in the treatment and management of moderate dengue cases, aimed at reducing mortality.
He said that it is essential for every citizen to maintain a clean living environment to prevent mosquito proliferation.
Mathur said that dengue prevention is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, but of all citizens.
He suggested that all government ministries should take an active role, according to their respective responsibilities, in raising public awareness and promoting dengue prevention measures nationwide.
The meeting highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach between government institutions, international partners, and citizens to curb the spread of dengue in Timor-Leste.
It’s recalled that in december 2025, WHO and the Ministry of Health conducted technical training sessions, targeting the most affected areas, including Ermera, Dili, and other regions.
Dengue fever cases in Timor-Leste have surpassed 1,000, with seven children reported dead.
Earlier this month, the National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV) transferred dengue patients to the quarantine centre in Tasi Tolu as health facilities in Dili struggled with overcrowding.
To combat the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has pledged to intensify dengue prevention measures.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the rising number of cases continues to put increasing pressure on healthcare services in Dili and across the country.
TATOLI
