24 July 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, marking a significant milestone in global health. This momentous declaration symbolizes the culmination of nearly two decades of tireless public health work in a country that has changed its health-care system since achieving independence in 2002.
“WHO congratulates the people and government of Timor-Leste on this significant milestone,”
“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.” – said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Timor-Leste becomes the 47th country and the first in over a decade to receive WHO’s malaria-free certification, following other South-East Asian nations Maldives and Sri Lanka, who were certified in 2015 and 2016, respectively.
From 223,000 Cases to Zero
Malaria once posed a significant threat in Timor-Leste, with more than 223,000 clinically diagnosed cases reported in 2006. By 2021, the country had reduced this number to zero indigenous cases and maintained that status for over three consecutive years—a critical requirement for WHO certification.
“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 Élia António de Araújo dos Reis Amaral, SH, Minister of Health, Government of Timor-Leste.
Strong Political Will and Smart Interventions?
Timor-Leste began its malaria-free journey in 2003, when the National Malaria Programme (NMP) was established. Despite minimal resources and only two full-time officers at its commencement, the program quickly established a solid basis for success through great technical planning, smart implementation, and active community involvement.
Key interventions included the statewide implementation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), and the provision of free long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) to susceptible areas.
With additional funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Timor-Leste increased its efforts with indoor residual spraying, microscopy at health posts, and a three-tier health system meant to ensure that most individuals could obtain medical care within a one-hour walk.
Community-Centered and Data-Driven Approach
Timor-Leste’s health infrastructure was further strengthened by the implementation of mobile clinics and monthly outreach programs to remote people. The government’s policy of providing free universal health care ensured that no one was left behind in the malaria elimination campaign.
A real-time, integrated case-based surveillance system was key to the success, allowing for quick case discovery and treatment, as well as screening at border entrance points to prevent disease reintroduction.
“Timor-Leste’s malaria-free certification is 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,” -Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste.
Safeguarding the Future
While commemorating the eradication of malaria, national and international health experts emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance to prevent reappearance. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor border areas and responds quickly to suspected instances.
Timor-Leste’s accomplishment serves as an example for other countries fighting malaria. It underscores the notion that malaria can be eradicated with targeted action, governmental commitment, and community participation, especially in low-resource situations.
As the world celebrates this public health triumph, Timor-Leste sends a strong message of resilience, cooperation, and hope: a malaria-free future is within reach.
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