Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) certified Timor-Leste malaria-free on [date], recognizing the country’s elimination of indigenous malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus attributed the achievement to strong political commitment, targeted interventions, sustained funding, and dedicated health workers. Timor-Leste becomes the 47th country and third in the WHO South-East Asia region to receive the certification, following Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Timor-Leste’s Minister of Health, Dr Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, highlighted the human cost of malaria, which claimed lives despite being preventable. The country reduced malaria cases from a peak of 223,000 in 2006 to zero indigenous cases from 2021 onward, crediting health workers, community resilience, and partnerships with WHO and donors. The certification honors those lost and saved, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance to prevent reintroduction.

The elimination effort began in 2003 with the establishment of the National Malaria Programme, initially staffed by two officers. The programme introduced rapid diagnostic tests, artemisinin-based combination therapy, and free long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. Scaling up in 2009 with support from the Global Fund, Timor-Leste expanded vector control, expanded diagnostic capacity, and strengthened its three-tier health system to ensure accessible care.

WHO Representative to Timor-Leste Dr Arvind Mathur praised the country’s leadership, health workers, and community resolve for achieving malaria-free status. Certification followed WHO’s rigorous process, including recommendations from the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and validation by the Malaria Policy Advisory Group. The achievement demonstrates how sustained, integrated efforts can eliminate malaria in a resource-limited setting.