Timor-Leste, also known as East Timor, is a country in Asia situated on the eastern half of the island of Timor. As one of the lowest-income nations in the world, it has a GDP per capita of $3,900. The nation’s low income leads to numerous poverty-related challenges, including health issues. Dengue fever, in particular, poses a significant health problem in the country. Dengue outbreaks occur annually in Timor-Leste, peaking during the hot and rainy season from Dec. to April. In Jan. 2022, Timor-Leste experienced a severe dengue outbreak, with nearly 900 cases recorded in Dili, the nation’s capital, compared to about 100 cases the previous year. From 2018 to 2022, Timor-Leste reported an incidence rate of 330 dengue cases per 100,000 people.

Dengue

Dengue, a disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, spreads mainly through Aedes mosquitoes. Common symptoms include fever, aches, rashes and nausea. While not always fatal, dengue can lead to death in severe cases. Currently, no specific treatment exists for the illness; the primary advice for those affected is to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Dengue Impacts the Impoverished

Due to Timor-Leste’s low income and high poverty rate, dengue outbreaks hit especially hard. About 42% of the nation’s population lives below the poverty line and these individuals suffer more from the outbreaks than those who are not impoverished. Environmental factors often place people in poverty at higher risk. Many are displaced by natural disasters like flooding, which forces them to seek new housing and living spaces, increasing their risk of dengue transmission. Additionally, these disaster sites often lead to increased mosquito populations due to standing water, further elevating the risk of infection. Accessing health care is also challenging for many impoverished people, exacerbated by Timor-Leste’s weak health care system. Poor education and high poverty rates hinder the development of a robust health care industry, allowing illnesses to spread more widely.

Actions Being Taken

The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively combating dengue in Timor-Leste through multiple initiatives. WHO is supporting the government in strengthening its health care system and has trained many workers to provide necessary care. It has also developed national dengue control guidelines for managing future outbreaks and launched a nationwide campaign to educate the public on dengue prevention and home treatment methods. Additionally, WHO has organized cleaning efforts to maintain clean water and environments, reducing contamination risks. The organization also employs fumigation to eliminate mosquitoes from residential areas. The Timor-Leste Red Cross has also contributed, seeking assistance from the International Red Cross. From Feb. to Aug. 2022, these combined efforts successfully reduced the spread of dengue and minimized its impact.

Looking Ahead

Timor-Leste faces significant challenges due to its low income and recurring dengue outbreaks. The WHO and the Timor-Leste Red Cross have implemented various measures to combat the spread of dengue, including health care worker training, public education campaigns and environmental cleaning efforts. Despite these ongoing efforts, the country continues to struggle with the impacts of poverty and a fragile health care system, necessitating ongoing support and resources to effectively manage and reduce dengue cases.

– Tyra Brantly

Tyra is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr