Dancers, Timor-Leste
Geneva: Timor-Leste has eliminated malaria, halting all indigenous transmission nationwide for over three years through a relentless nationwide campaign launched after its 2002 independence. This was revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which certified Timor-Leste malaria-free today, making it the third country in the WHO South-East Asia region to achieve this status, following Maldives (2015) and Sri Lanka (2016). The certification, granted after rigorous proof of interrupted transmission, underscores Timor-Leste’s contribution to global malaria elimination goals, driven by bold leadership, dedicated health workers, and resilient community efforts.
From a peak of over 223,000 clinically diagnosed malaria cases in 2006, Timor-Leste reduced cases to zero indigenous infections by 2021. The Ministry of Health established the National Malaria Programme in 2003, starting with just two full-time officers to plan, implement, and monitor control efforts. The programme introduced rapid diagnostic tests and artemisinin-based combination therapy under National Malaria Treatment Guidelines, while distributing free long-lasting insecticide-treated nets to high-risk communities. By 2009, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Timor-Leste scaled up vector control through nationwide distribution of nets and indoor residual spraying to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Diagnosis expanded with microscopy and rapid tests at local health posts, ensuring early detection.
Despite severe shortages of health workers, Timor-Leste built a three-tier health system of national hospitals, reference hospitals, community health centres, and health posts, ensuring most residents can access care within an hour’s walk. Free universal healthcare, supported by monthly mobile clinics and community outreach, brought services to remote villages. Communities played a vital role, with local leaders and volunteers promoting net use and reporting suspected cases. A real-time, case-based surveillance system enabled rapid data collection, while trained health workers conducted timely detection and border screenings to prevent malaria reintroduction.
This achievement reflects strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health, WHO, local communities, non-governmental organisations, donors, and multiple government sectors. “WHO congratulates the people and government of Timor-Leste on this significant milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Timor-Leste’s success proves that malaria can be stopped in its tracks when strong political will, smart interventions, sustained domestic and external investment, and dedicated health workers unite.”
Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Health, highlighted the human stakes: “We did it. Malaria has been one of our most relentless enemies – silent, persistent, and deadly. We lost too many lives to a disease that should be preventable. But our health workers never gave up, our communities held strong, and our partners, like WHO, walked beside us. From 223,000 cases to zero – this elimination honours every life lost and every life now saved. We must safeguard this victory with continued vigilance and community action to prevent malaria’s re-entry.”
Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste, called it a “defining national triumph – driven by bold leadership, tireless efforts of health workers, and the resolve of its people. As a young nation, Timor-Leste stayed focused – testing, treating, and investigating swiftly. Ending transmission and maintaining zero deaths takes more than science; it takes grit. This victory protects generations, present and future, and shows what a determined country can achieve.”
Certified by WHO’s Director-General, based on recommendations from the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification and validation by the Malaria Policy Advisory Group, Timor-Leste joins 47 countries and one territory globally recognised as malaria-free. The nation’s success, built on early action, sustained investment, and community resolve, sets a model for others. Continued surveillance and community engagement are critical to prevent malaria’s return.
– global bihari bureau
