Funders:
  • The Macquarie Group Foundation
  • The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia
Collaborators:
  1. Wolbachia Facebook group

  2. MEDIA RELEASE | Ministry of Health-led Wolbachia mosquitoes released in Timor-Leste to target infectious diseases

Dengue fever remains a major public health challenge in Timor-Leste, with concerning spikes in case fatality rates in 2005, 2020, and 2021. 

To combat this, the Ministry of Health of Timor-Leste, in partnership with Menzies Timor-Leste, the World Mosquito Program (WMP), and Action on Poverty (AoP) are implementing the Wolbachia method in Timor-Leste.

Wolbachia is safe for humans, animals and the environment. WMP’s Wolbachia method helps protect communities from mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

The Wolbachia method is a sustainable, one-time solution that has been proven effective in 14 countries worldwide, protecting over 13 million people. The evidence shows a significant reduction in mosquito-borne cases and incidences where Wolbachia is implemented. This method could help protect Timor-Leste from future outbreaks. 

How does the Wolbachia Method Works?
  • The Wolbachia bacteria is introduced into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in our laboratory.
  • Wolbachia mosquitoes are released into the wild for 3-6 months.
  • They mate with wild mosquitoes, passing on Wolbachia.
  • Wolbachia spreads to nearly all mosquitoes and remains in the local mosquito population once releases end.
  • The community is protected from disease long-term without the need for more releases
Senior Project Coordinator:
Project Coordinator :
Key dates:

October 2024 – December 2025

Communication and Engagement Lead (Menzies Timor-Leste):
Global Media Relations and Editorial Manager (World Mosquito Program):


For more information on the method implemented by WMP in other countries, please visit www.worldmosquitoprogram.org