Kupang, July 23, 2025

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, has donated 2,000 vials of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) to the Democratic Government of Timor-Leste. This donation is in response to the Timor-Leste government's official request to address the ongoing rabies outbreak and support the management of the rabies outbreak in the country.

The aid handover ceremony was held at Ben Mboi Regional Hospital, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday (23/7/2025).

Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies causes more than 35,000 to 50,000 deaths annually, with approximately 40% of victims being children under the age of 15. An estimated 10 million people receive the rabies vaccine annually as a preventative measure. Currently, more than 3.3 billion people live in rabies-endemic areas, making this disease a complex and cross-sectoral public health challenge.

Dr. Andi Saguni, Secretary of the Directorate General of Disease Control (P2) of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, stated that the distribution of the vaccine was a concrete manifestation of solidarity between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all parties who facilitated this activity. Today, we are handing over 2,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccine from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia to the Government of Timor-Leste," said Dr. Andi.

He explained that this assistance was a rapid response to a direct request from the Timor-Leste Government to the Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin.

"This request came directly from the Timor-Leste government, and the Minister of Health responded promptly. This demonstrates Indonesia's strong commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, particularly in addressing the rabies outbreak health emergency," he added.

Furthermore, Dr. Andi stated that the administration of this vaccine is expected to help accelerate the control of rabies in Timor-Leste, which is generally transmitted by warm-blooded animals such as dogs and cats.

This activity not only reflects close bilateral cooperation but also demonstrates Indonesia's contribution to addressing global health challenges. The vaccine distribution marks a significant milestone in strengthening relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, particularly in the field of public health, and underscores Indonesia's active role in supporting regional health security.

The representative of the Timor-Leste Consulate, Cesaltina da Silva da Costa, expressed her deep appreciation for the assistance.

"On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Indonesia, particularly through the Ministry of Health and the Province of East Nusa Tenggara, for the donation of much-needed rabies vaccines," he said.

He emphasized that this assistance is not merely technical cooperation, but rather a strong symbol of humanitarian solidarity between two neighboring countries that have close historical, geographical, social, and cultural ties—especially in the border region.

The Consulate also highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing rabies transmission and reducing mortality from the disease. The vaccine will be immediately utilized by Timor-Leste's health authorities as a rapid response to the ongoing outbreak.

"This donation reflects the spirit of humanitarian solidarity and cross-border concern for maintaining public health," he added.

Closing his remarks, the Consulate expressed the hope that cross-border cooperation would also include smooth logistics and quarantine procedures.

"We hope that coordination regarding quarantine facilities in border areas can be improved, through support from relevant agencies such as Quarantine, Customs, and Immigration in Indonesia," Cesaltina concluded.

This assistance is expected to be the first step in a broader, sustainable, and strategic cross-border health collaboration, in realizing a healthier, safer, and rabies-free Southeast Asia region.

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This news was broadcast by the Bureau of Communication and Public Information, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. For further information, please contact Halo Kemenkes via hotline 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, or email contact@kemkes.go.id. (DJ/SK)

Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information

Aji Muhawarman, ST, MKM

source: https://kemkes.go.id/id/indonesia-serahkan-2000-vial-vaksin-anti-rabies-kepada-pemerintah-timor-leste