DILI, 23 March 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste marked World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on Monday by hosting its first National TB Symposium, bringing together government officials, health experts and development partners to assess progress and strengthen efforts to eliminate the disease.
The symposium, convened by the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Public Health of Timor-Leste (INSP-TL) and the World Health Organization (WHO), focused on advancing national strategies and mobilizing support to tackle TB.
WHO Representative Dr. Arvind Mathur underscored the importance of sustained investment, saying “investing in TB is not a cost, but it is one of the highest-return investments in public health.”
Dr. Suman Rijal, Director for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Office (SEARO), highlighted the need for stronger political will and innovation.
He said ending TB requires “strong political commitment, innovative financing, and a truly multisectoral approach which leverages digital technologies and AI to strengthen primary health care and reach the most vulnerable.”
Vice Minister for Health José dos Reis Magno said TB “is not only a medical problem, but social and institutional,” calling for coordinated action across sectors.
INSP-TL President Dr. Nevio Sarmento added that “working together, we can reach End TB.”
On the sidelines of the symposium, WHO Timor-Leste handed over Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to the Ministry of Health to support public awareness campaigns and improve access to accurate information nationwide.
Health authorities and partners reaffirmed their commitment to a science-based, collaborative approach, expressing confidence that a TB-free Timor-Leste is achievable.
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