DILI, 12 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, met today at the Presidential Palace with the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative, Dr. Arvind Mathur, to receive a detailed update on the evolution of the dengue outbreak in Timor-Leste.
The President expressed his support for the joint field investigations currently being conducted by the Ministry of Health and the WHO to identify the causes of the surge in cases and implement targeted vector control measures. Dr. Mathur assured the President that every effort is being made to control the outbreak through increased public awareness and larvicide initiatives.
The discussion also highlighted long-term health priorities, including the success of school health programs such as deworming and primary health screenings for children. Dr. Mathur briefed the Head of State on the upcoming 79th WHO Regional Committee Meeting for Southeast Asia, which Timor-Leste will host in September. This prestigious event will bring health ministers from 10 member nations and senior WHO leadership, including the Director-General, to Dili to discuss regional health governance and capacity building.
President Ramos-Horta reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the nation’s health systems, particularly in the management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension through the Integrated Health Program (Programa Integrado de Saúde). To further bolster this strategic partnership, the President indicated a potential upcoming visit to WHO headquarters in Geneva to meet with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The meeting concluded with the President praising the WHO’s ongoing technical support in developing robust health policies and strategies for the Timorese people.
TATOLI
