Prime Minister launches International Year of Sanitation in Timor-Leste

The Honorable Xanana Gusmao, Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, at the parade.

Credit: WaterAid Australia / Dinesh Bajracharya

18 July 2008

The National Government of Timor-Leste, in partnership with UNICEF and WaterAid, launched the International Year of Sanitation on 20 June.

The packed launch day included donors, UN agencies, NGOs, civil society groups, the government and public in its audience. A day long parade wound through markets, health centres, parliament buildings and along the main road in the country's capital, Dili. Messages about hygiene and sanitation were relayed through song and performance by Timor-Leste's popular singer Bunglele and the famous drama group Bibi Bulak. The Honorable Xanana Gusmao, Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, spoke about the importance of sanitation in a country where less than 40% of the population has access to this fundamental human right.

Dinesh Bajracharya, WaterAid country representative for Timor-Leste, said of the event:

"We congratulate the Ministry of Health for putting a spotlight on the International Year of Sanitation. There is now compelling evidence that sanitation and hygiene can bring the greatest public health returns of any policy intervention. Access to sanitation is vital for ensuring health, dignity and sustainable social and economic development for the people of Timor-Leste."

For more information please visit the official UN International Year of Sanitation wesbite (opens in a new window).