DILI, 20 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has made significant efforts and reached a major milestone in its mass campaign to protect the Timorese population from rabies, one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
A total of 29,365 dogs received rabies vaccines in 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate human rabies in the country.
In addition, 1,451 cats and 167 monkeys were also vaccinated last year, the National Director of Veterinary Services, Joanita Bendita João told reporters on the sidelines of a workshop on antibiotic use held on tursday at the Novo Turismo Hotel in Dili.
Bendita said rabies cases have declined significantly thanks to ongoing vaccination campaigns, stressing the need to accelerate immunization to further reduce transmission risks.
She added that current supplies of rabies vaccines are sufficient to respond to cases in identified high-risk areas.
The President of the National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste, Nívio Sarmento, said the Ministry of Health has recorded 24 human rabies deaths: one in 2024, 21 in 2025 and two so far in 2026.
According to the Health Ministry, 1,319 dog bites were reported in 2024 and 3,011 in 2025.
The National Directorate of Veterinary Services analyzed 263 animal samples, of which 158 tested positive for rabies.
Sarmento said field interventions are ongoing, with mass vaccination campaigns targeting animals—particularly dogs—led by the veterinary directorate.
He also warned that some cases go unreported because people do not seek medical care after dog bites, believing it unnecessary.
With 99% of human rabies cases resulting from dog bites, mass dog vaccination is the key long-term measure to safeguard public health.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
