DILI — Timor-Leste has received international recognition for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major achievement in the country’s efforts to control infectious diseases and strengthen primary healthcare.

The recognition was presented during the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, currently being hosted in Dili. Timor-Leste’s Health Minister, Dr Élia A. A. dos Reis Amaral, received the award on behalf of the country.

The World Health Organization validated Timor-Leste’s achievement on September 3, making the country the latest member of the region to reach the elimination milestone.

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease and remains an important cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Its elimination requires sustained disease surveillance, access to treatment, sanitation improvements and community participation.

The achievement is particularly significant for Timor-Leste because it was the last country in the WHO South-East Asia Region where trachoma had been considered endemic.

Health authorities have linked the progress to stronger primary healthcare services, community engagement and cooperation between different sectors.

Timor-Leste has also recorded progress in managing other major health challenges. More than 86,900 people with hypertension and diabetes have been placed under protocol-based management, exceeding the country’s target of 50,000 people.

The country was also recognised alongside Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand for sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for a decade.

The recognition comes while Timor-Leste is hosting health ministers and senior officials from across the WHO South-East Asia Region in Dili from September 7 to 10.

The regional meeting is addressing issues including universal health coverage, tuberculosis, disease elimination, specialised healthcare, medical technology, resilient health facilities, digital health and artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has urged countries to place greater emphasis on health equity and ensure that people are not denied access to healthcare because of where they live or their economic circumstances.

The latest recognition gives Timor-Leste an important public-health achievement as it continues strengthening its healthcare system and expanding international cooperation.