Ten mayors from across Timor-Leste took a major step toward reducing tobacco use in their municipalities by endorsing bold, new tobacco control measures at the Second Summit of the Timor-Leste Mayors Alliance for Health and Development. This year’s summit, held in Dili in March, focused on tobacco control as a key strategy for addressing noncommunicable diseases and improving overall health and development.
Timor-Leste is facing a significant public health challenge fueled by high rates of tobacco use. Smoking is one of the leading contributors to noncommunicable diseases, which places an immense burden on individuals, families and the health care system. According to the World Health Organization, 60.7% of men and 9.4% of women aged 15 and older in Timor-Leste used tobacco in 2020. Furthermore, the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2019) revealed that 42% of boys and 21% of girls aged 13 to 15 are tobacco users, with alarming exposure to secondhand smoke reported in public spaces (71%) and at home (67.2%). These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive tobacco control measures that protect public health and reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases.
The Timor-Leste Mayors Alliance for Health and Development (Aliansa Presidente Autoridade no Munisipiu ba Saúde no Dezenvolvimentu Timor-Leste) is the first of its kind to be established in Timor-Leste. Supported by the Tobacco Control Division at Vital Strategies, this alliance aims to empower mayoral leadership in implementing effective health policies and programs, particularly focusing on curbing tobacco use, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets. This year, the summit saw the expansion of participation to 10 mayors, an increase from just five at their first summit in 2023.
During the summit, mayors engaged in collaborative working sessions that brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Home Affairs, the World Health Organization, Vital Strategies and media. These sessions were used to strategize on actionable steps for addressing tobacco-related health harms in each municipality.
“Together, we can create a healthier future where fewer lives are lost to tobacco-related diseases,” said Mayor Jose Martinho dos Santos of Ermera, who chairs the Alliance. “The power of collaboration is essential in tackling this challenge. It is not enough to merely acknowledge the problem—we must act with urgency and determination.”
The group discussions culminated in a collective agreement on seven key points. The mayors pledged to implement and enforce a ban on smoking and electronic cigarette use in workplaces, public spaces and public transport. They agreed to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion and sales to minors, as well as integrating smoking cessation programs into existing tuberculosis control efforts.
The mayors also committed to support national government initiatives to raise taxes on tobacco and related products, as well as collaborating with various ministries to enhance tobacco control campaigns and address illicit trade.
“The challenges we face today are not permanent, but the solutions we create together will shape a healthier, tobacco-free future for Timor-Leste,” said Dr. Mateus Hornai, Director of Noncommunicable Disease Prevention at the Ministry of Health. “By uniting our efforts, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. The Ministry of Health is deeply committed to creating a healthier future for our people. We are determined to reduce tobacco consumption and address other risk factors, working hand-in-hand with our organizations, development partners and ministries.”
“Mayors are key drivers of health policy at the local level,” said Dr. Tara Singh Bam, Director of Tobacco Control for Asia Pacific at Vital Strategies. “Their leadership and sustained commitment are essential to implementing effective tobacco control measures that ensure long-term impact through local planning and budgeting, preventing interference and donations from the tobacco industry and advocating for strong national tobacco control policies that save lives.”
“Local leaders play a crucial role in addressing smoking rates, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups,” said Dr. Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste. “It is essential for all relevant parties to unite and advocate for raising the tax again, as a higher tax can be a powerful tool in reducing smoking rates and ultimately improving public health.”
This summit represents a unified effort among local leaders to strengthen public health measures in Timor-Leste, building on the groundwork laid in the 2023 summit. By addressing the pressing issue of tobacco and its health impacts, the Mayors Alliance is working to create a healthier future for everyone.
To learn more about Vital Strategies’ Tobacco Control work, visit: www.vitalstrategies.org/tobacco-control/