Dili, July 16, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Timor-Leste has launched its National Roadmap to Zero Leprosy 2025–2030, a significant plan aimed at eradicating leprosy in the country one of the oldest infectious diseases in the world. The event took place at the New Tourism Hotel in Dili last Friday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur, stated that the plan utilizes various approaches to detect cases actively, provide preventive medicine called Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR) in areas with high case numbers, and deliver training to health workers for managing patients and preventing disabilities.
“This nation has already established clear objectives to halt the transmission of leprosy by 2028 and completely eliminate it by 2030,” said Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste.
He added that a key component of the plan is the implementation of a new system, Integrated Case-Based Surveillance for Timor-Leste (ICBS-TL), which enables real-time monitoring of leprosy cases to prevent any from being missed. The system also emphasizes the need to combat stigma and discrimination against people affected by leprosy.
Elisabeth Leto Mau, Director General of Primary Health Care, explained that the launch demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to combating leprosy, noting that the number of new cases indicates that the disease still persists. She emphasized that achieving zero cases will require long-term efforts and inter-sectoral cooperation.
“This program will first focus on areas with the highest number of cases, such as the municipalities of Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Manatuto, and the RAEOA (Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno). These areas will begin distributing preventive medication in the near future, especially since the drug has a usage deadline of December. We need to act swiftly with WHO’s support,” said Elisabeth Leto Mau.
She further stated that the program will start in the municipalities mentioned such as Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Manatuto, and RAEOA to distribute preventive medicine directly to people already affected by leprosy.
On another note, Dr. Vivek Lal, WHO’s Global Leprosy Program Officer, explained that WHO-SEARO and civil society partners were also involved in shaping the roadmap, as WHO has worked closely with the Ministry of Health to develop this plan.
“The World Health Organization will continue to support all nations working to achieve the 2030 goal of stopping leprosy, preventing disability, and ending stigma,” said Dr. Vivek Lal.
He stated that while leprosy is curable, late detection leads to delayed treatment and lingering stigma, which slows down progress. The roadmap aims to accelerate case detection, improve contact tracing, and ensure that patients complete their treatment. Treatment protocols will be updated, and support for those affected will continue to be explored.
The workshop also discussed efforts to integrate the leprosy plan into broader health programs under the Integrated Health Package (PIS) initiative. In addition, the program will be implemented in the municipalities of Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Manatuto, and RAEOA to distribute medication directly to people affected by leprosy.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano