National Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health (MS), Constantino Lopes, said that tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in Timor-Leste, and factors such as smoking, unhealthy housing conditions and malnutrition contribute significantly to the transmission and development of the disease.
“Smoking not only affects smokers but also other people nearby who are exposed to second-hand smoke, and their risk can be even higher,” Director Constantino said at Hotel Novo Turismo, Dili.
He added that besides smoking, unhealthy housing conditions, particularly poor ventilation, can facilitate the transmission of TB bacteria among family members. He also said that malnutrition can weaken the body’s resistance, making people more vulnerable to the disease.
To respond to the situation, he said that MS is implementing preventive measures focused on changing community behaviour, including promoting smoke-free areas in government institutions, public transport and official vehicles.
“Workplaces must be smoke-free to protect everyone from the risks of second-hand smoke. We have also placed no-smoking stickers in official vehicles and continue raising awareness in the community,” he said.
He said that in terms of education, MS is placing strong emphasis on the importance of preventive treatment for families. Therefore, people living with TB patients, even if they do not yet show symptoms, need to receive preventive treatment to prevent the disease from developing in the future.
“One major barrier is the perception that we are healthy, so why should we receive treatment? But preventive treatment is important to prevent TB from developing,” he added.
Director Lopes explained that TB can affect anyone, not only poor people, and that smoking accounts for nearly 8% of TB cases globally because it can damage the lungs and weaken immunity, making TB infection easier.
World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Timor-Leste, Dr Arvind Mathur, stressed that TB can be prevented and cured, but behavioural change and community participation are needed.
“Through these efforts, the government and partners hope that behavioural changes such as stopping smoking, improving living conditions and increasing awareness about preventive treatment can contribute to reducing TB cases in Timor-Leste in the future,” WHO Representative Dr Mathur said.
He said that health services must not simply wait for patients to come to health facilities, but must also reach households and the community to provide education, early detection and prevent transmission.
