Infectious Disease · Public Health · 7 h ago
WHO certifies Timor-Leste malaria-free after interruption of indigenous transmission
WHO has certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free, with zero indigenous cases reported since 2021. The country is the third in WHO’s South-East Asia region to receive certification, which requires at least three consecutive years without indigenous transmission nationwide.
- Zero indigenous malaria cases reported since 2021.
- Certification requires at least three consecutive years without indigenous transmission.
- Testing, treatment, vector control and surveillance supported elimination.
- Continued vigilance is needed to prevent malaria’s re-entry.
WHO certified Timor-Leste as malaria-free on 24 July 2025, recognizing the interruption of indigenous malaria transmission nationwide. Certification requires evidence beyond reasonable doubt that transmission has been interrupted for at least the previous three consecutive years. This is a public-health certification announcement, rather than a clinical study.
The country reported more than 223,000 clinically diagnosed malaria cases at its peak in 2006, compared with zero indigenous cases from 2021 onwards. Timor-Leste becomes the third country certified in WHO’s South-East Asia region, following Maldives in 2015 and Sri Lanka in 2016. Globally, 47 countries and one territory have received WHO certification.
The National Malaria Programme, established in 2003, introduced rapid diagnostic testing, artemisinin-based combination therapy and free long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. With Global Fund support, nationwide vector control expanded in 2009 through net distribution and indoor residual spraying. Microscopy and rapid diagnostic testing were also expanded across local health posts.
WHO describes real-time, case-based surveillance, trained health workers and border screening as components of the elimination effort. Continued vigilance and community action remain necessary to prevent malaria’s re-entry. Certification concerns indigenous transmission; the announcement does not establish the absence of imported infections or quantify the contribution of individual interventions.
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WHO – News: Timor-Leste certified malaria-free by WHO ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.