Dili, July 11: Timor-Leste launched its National Zero Leprosy Roadmap 2025–2030 on Friday, a landmark initiative aimed at eliminating one of the world’s oldest and chronic infectious diseases.
With this new roadmap, the country is setting time-bound targets of interrupting transmission by 2028 and achieving zero leprosy by 2030.
“The roadmap focuses on a multi-pronged strategy: detecting cases proactively, rolling out preventive therapies–Single Dose Rifampicin (SDR)–Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) in high-burden municipalities, and equipping health workers with the tools and training to manage cases and prevent disabilities,” said Dr Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste.
A key component is the introduction of Integrated Case-Based Surveillance (ICBS-TL) in the Timor-Leste Health Information System (TLHIS), allowing real-time tracking of cases and ensuring no case goes unnoticed. Dr Mathur also emphasized that the roadmap addresses the stigma and discrimination that continue to affect those living with leprosy.
At the launch of the roadmap, Dr. Elisabeth Leto Mau, Director General of Primary Health Care, highlighted the government’s firm commitment to tackling leprosy. “The detection of new cases shows that transmission is still occurring within communities. Achieving the goal of zero leprosy will require long-term dedication, sustained action, and multisectoral collaboration,” she said.
The programme will initially focus on regions with the highest case numbers—Baucau, Bobonaro, Dili, Manatuto, and RAEOA—where post-exposure prophylaxis will begin. Dr. Leto Mau stressed the urgency of moving swiftly, as the prophylaxis medicine expires in December. “We must act now with WHO’s support,” she added. Dr Narciso Fernandes, National Director for Policy and Cooperation and Director General Dr Terlinda Barros were also present at the event.
Speaking of the highest-level political commitment to end the disease, Dr Mathur recalled that Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, in discussions with the Minister of Health and WHO, had emphasized that addressing leprosy was a top priority for his administration.
The WHO, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, played a vital role in crafting the plan. Dr Vivek Lal, team leader of the WHO Global Leprosy Programme, along with WHO SEARO and civil society partners, has been major contributors in shaping this roadmap.
“WHO remains committed to supporting all affected countries as they make steady, equitable progress toward our 2030 goals: eliminating leprosy, preventing disabilities, and eradicating stigma,” said Dr Lal.
Leprosy is curable, yet delays in detection and treatment, coupled with lingering stigma, hinder progress. The roadmap will focus on accelerating case detection, improving contact tracing and ensuring treatment completion. National treatment guidelines will be updated, and efforts to provide psychosocial support to those affected will be explored.
Friday’s workshop also marked the beginning of a renewed push to align strategies and resources to integrate the leprosy roadmap with broader health programmes under the Integrated Health Service (PIS) initiative.