Dili, 31 May- Today, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) reflected on the initiatives and achievements in combating tobacco addiction and promoting a healthier nation. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO Timor-Leste, has been at the forefront of this transformative journey.
Gaspar da Silva, a 48-year-old freelance artist from Dili, shared his inspiring story of successfully quitting smoking with the support of the Formosa Cessation Centre. Since December 2022, he has received invaluable assistance through multiple follow-up visits, underscoring the positive impact of the Ministry of Health's work in partnership with the WHO. The Formosa Cessation Centre, the first of four such centers established in October 2021, continues to offer counseling, guidance, and medical assistance to hundreds of Timorese seeking to overcome tobacco dependence. The other three cessation centres are located in Ermera, Liquica and Oecusse.
“We must encourage more and more Timorese people to seek the available help to quit tobacco,” said Minister of Health dr. Odete Maria Freitas Belo. “Every person who receives help from the cessation centres can further our cause to promote a healthy, tobacco free country,” she said.
Timor-Leste is one of the 20 countries in the world with high tobacco use rates, and among the five small island developing countries including Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu, and Solomon Islands, to have high tobacco use. A 2014 survey, conducted in Timor-Leste by using a WHO method called STEPS, showed that the incidence of tobacco use in Timor-Leste was 48.6%.
“Tobacco is a dangerous enemy to our health, attacking not only our lungs but also our heart, brain, and immune system,” said Dr. Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste. “Its long-term effects are chronic illness, suffering, and premature death. The WHO Timor-Leste is committed to support the Ministry of Health and work with all stakeholders and people on promoting health behaviours and advocating against all forms of tobacco use,” he said.
Timor-Leste's government has displayed unwavering commitment, progressively raising health taxes on tobacco. Since January 2022, excise taxes on tobacco have surged from $19/kg to $100/kg in January 2023, leading to a significant decline in cigarette consumption and demonstrating the government's dedication to safeguarding public health. These efforts to reduce tobacco use will significantly improve public health and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which currently account for nearly 45% of deaths in the country. Timor-Leste has also implemented the Package of Essential Noncommunicable Diseases (PEN) to detect and intervene in risk factors such as tobacco use, hypertension, and lifestyle habits. Taking a holistic approach to promoting wellness, the Ministry of Health has not only tackled tobacco use but also fostered a culture of well-being. WHO has supported the establishment of open-air gymnasiums in various communities, encouraging citizens to embrace an active lifestyle and prioritize their health.
In recognition of these initiatives, Ministry of Health's outstanding achievements, the Minister of Health dr. Odete Maria Freitas Belo, was honored with the prestigious WHO Director General's World No Tobacco Day award last week. This recognition signifies the government's commitment to creating a healthier nation and serves as an inspiration to continue the journey towards a tobacco-free society.
For more information, contact:
Jyoti Shelar, Communications Consultant, WHO: [email protected]; +67077728051