Ministry of Health and Mission Lepra strengthen cooperation on the prevention and treatment of leprosy
DILI, 8 September 2026 (TATOLI) — The Ministry of Health and the National Leprosy Mission Foundation of Timor-Leste (ML-TL) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in preventing, detecting, treating and controlling leprosy.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday, September 8, on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, being held in Dili.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Health Minister Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral and Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion Verónica das Dores.
The memorandum provides a framework for the Leprosy Mission’s activities and programmes to be carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Health and integrated into the country’s Integrated Health Programme, in line with the National Strategic Health Sector Plan.
The partnership aims to improve access to health services for people affected by leprosy, particularly in vulnerable communities, while strengthening early detection and treatment to prevent complications and disabilities associated with the disease.
It also provides for community awareness programmes on leprosy prevention, as well as efforts to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with leprosy.
The agreement further supports rehabilitation and the social reintegration of people affected by leprosy.
Under the partnership, health workers will receive additional training, guidance and opportunities to share experience. Coordination will also be strengthened between the Ministry of Health, the Leprosy Mission and other partners involved in leprosy prevention and control programmes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Amaral stressed the importance of maintaining attention on leprosy as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for the population.
She also highlighted the experience of Leprosy Mission teams in helping to identify cases at an early stage and determine appropriate treatment.
The ceremony was attended by senior Ministry of Health officials, members of the Timor-Leste Leprosy Mission Council, department heads and representatives of other organisations involved in the programme.
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