Dili, September 30, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The World Health Organization (WHO) in Timor-Leste alerted in March this year that no deaths had yet occurred from rabies in the country. However, in Oecusse, a 19-year-old woman who had been bitten by a dog contracted the disease. Within weeks, she passed away, becoming the first recorded victim of rabies in Timor-Leste.
WHO Representative in Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur, stated that in the past 18 months, rabies has already claimed 20 lives across seven municipalities, showing how quickly the disease can spread.
“Faced with this new threat, the Government declared a public health emergency in June this year. The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, took immediate action. Working with experts from the Centre for Rabies Research and the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Office, an emergency response plan was developed,” said WHO Representative Arvind Mathur.
He explained that the initial priority last year was clearly vaccination. WHO urgently procured 6,000 doses of rabies vaccine and 1,000 doses of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG). This year, due to increasing needs, WHO has provided further support to the Ministry of Health.
“WHO also requested help from Indonesia, through its embassy in Dili, to supply vaccines to Timor-Leste, and Indonesia agreed to donate. In July, these vaccines were delivered from Kupang to Dili after weeks of discussions, coordination, and customs clearance. A refrigerated vehicle from the National Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Products (INFPM) safely transported the vaccines across the border into Timor-Leste,” added the WHO Representative.
He further stated that in August, WHO procured an additional 10,000 vaccine doses and 1,000 RIG doses, which were distributed to the municipalities. “Every vaccine can make the difference between life and death. Currently, with WHO’s support, the Ministry of Health has requested another 10,000 vaccine doses and 2,000 RIG doses from India, through the Indian Embassy in Dili.”
“WHO is helping to coordinate the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and partners such as DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) to develop the first National Strategic Plan for Rabies Control: the Road to Zero Rabies,” said Arvind Mathur.
He emphasized that while vaccines are a crucial first line of defense, rabies is not only a medical problem. To stop the virus, Timor-Leste needs a comprehensive plan that links human and animal health.
“Such a plan is already underway. WHO and the Ministry of Health are working together to improve vaccine distribution, stock management, reporting systems, and health worker training. Surveillance teams are monitoring cases of rabies in both animals and humans, producing weekly reports and forecasting trends of the disease,” explained the WHO Representative.
He stressed that prevention begins even before bite cases occur. Nearly 40% of dog bite cases involve children. WHO, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education have already distributed 90,000 pamphlets and training manuals to teachers and health personnel. Lessons on rabies are now included in the Primary Health Care Package (PHCP). In classrooms, children are learning how to avoid aggressive dogs and what actions to take if bitten.
“As long as this virus spreads, urgent action is needed. We must encourage vaccination for both humans and animals, combat misinformation and hoaxes, and support communities to take immediate action.” He added
On World Rabies Day, the WHO emphasized that rabies is a deadly disease but 100% preventable. If bitten by a dog, the wound should be washed with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by immediate treatment at the nearest health center. It is essential to receive Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) and complete the full course.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Media WHO