DILI, 26 january 2026 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health has stepped up public awareness efforts and outreach activities in Dili after a rise in dengue cases, carrying out prevention campaigns in the Comoro and Becora.
Miliza Vital, head of the ministry’s Department of Health Promotion and Education, said the initiative was conducted in partnership with public health students from Universidade da Paz, Universidade de Dili and Universidade Oriental Timor Lorosa’e.
She said the campaign included the distribution of posters outlining preventive measures against dengue and guidance on what families should do if a household member is diagnosed with the disease.
The campaign was launched in response to an increase in reported cases. In the first three weeks of january alone, the Dili Municipal Health Service recorded 223 cases, compared with 67 cases during the same period last year.
Vital said the rise may be linked to standing water caused by heavy rains and poor sanitation in some areas, creating breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue.
She described the increase in cases as a serious public health concern.
Vital added that the ministry will continue fumigation operations and intensify community outreach as part of broader efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
Journalist: Ivonia da Silva
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
