DILI, 6 june 2022 (TATOLI) – The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health (MS) opened a two-day exhibition to celebrate World Food Safety Day in Lecidere.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Timor-Leste, Arvin Mathur said this activity provides an opportunity to share information about healthy food to help people have physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs.
“If there is no food security, people will get sick,” said Mr. Mathur.
Mr. Mathur said WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health intends to remind the public about the importance of nutrition and food security.
“To ensure food security requires cooperation between relevant ministries,”
Director-General of Health Services, Nilton do Carmo da Silva, said healthy food is very important for public health.
“The ministry contributes to the promotion of healthy food and the prevention of malnutrition,” he told reporters.
He also reminded people to eat healthy and nutritious food to prevent them from getting sick.
At the same time, he suggested everyone participate in the “Say No to 5S” program – avoiding hunger, intestinal worms, skin diseases, tobacco, and sugary/alcoholic drinks in schools and communities.
Nilton da Silva said the exhibition included a gastronomic competition and speeches by students from several schools in Dili.
According to data, 18% of children suffer from earthworms. 14% of children aged 13 years are consuming alcohol and tobacco including 32% of children aged 15 years.
According to the 2020 Food and Nutrition Survey data, 47% of children suffer from stunting and 8.8% of children under five are underweight.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sa
Editor: Nelia Borges
