DILI, 28 february 2023 (TATOLI) – The European Union (EU) and the Minister of Health (MoH) held the Policy Dialogue Meeting on Nutrition to evaluate the progressive achievement which had been achieved in Timor – Leste.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Timor – Leste, Marc Friedrich said the EU is very proud to be the only development partner providing budget support to Timor-Leste that goes directly into the Treasury Account which is also part of the general budget of Timor-Leste.
“This will be my first formal policy dialogue on Nutrition. I consider my participation as a recognition of the successful European Union and Government of Timor-Leste partnership. It is time to look at what we have achieved, what we are doing together, and what we will do in the future. We want to do it together with the stakeholders involved in the implementation: beneficiaries, other members of the Government, civil society, and development partners. I would like to recall that the EU financial contribution to support the nutrition sector reform amounts to EUR 10 million and is paid directly into the Timor-Leste Treasury as foreseen by the EU Budget Support (BS) aid modality,’’ The Ambassador of European Union Marc Friedrich told TATOLI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Pantai Kelapa, Dili.
He added this formal meeting with the authorities will not only discuss the achievement of indicators but also the implementation status of the strategy.
“EU noticed that the legislation of breast-feeding substitute has been approved. This is a very positive step achieved in the policy development of the nutrition sector in Timor-Leste,”
According to Patric, Effective implementation of adopted strategies demands strong leadership and rigorous evaluation to support informed decision-making.
The efforts and commitment of the MoH, in the implementation of the National Nutrition Strategic Plan and the integration of Nutrition into the MoH Primary Health Care Approach and Universal Coverage (Saude na Familia) have been considerable.
“I recognize the Timor-Leste Government and the MoH show strong political commitment towards the fight against malnutrition and the delivery of quality Primary Health Care services to the communities”
At the same place the Vice Minister of Health, Bonifaçio Mau Coli dos
Reis informed that the Government of Timor – Lete through the Ministry of Health had received a budget from the EU worth EUR 10 million from 2018 to 2022.
“We use the budget to handle the child nutrition from age 0 – to 5. This support is focused on: the prevention and management of malnutrition and common diseases; dietary diversification, behavioral change, and breastfeeding practices. Other nutrition-related interventions are hygiene, sanitation, improving human capacity, and enhancing institutional building” he said.
With the supporting budget from the EU, MoH and its partner had achieved over 80 %, especially the stunning in Timor – Leste.
“Hopefully from the Policy Dialogue Meeting on Nutrition, the EU will continue to support the budget in handling the malnutrition in Timor – Leste,” said Reis.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Edotor: Nelia B.
