DILI, 17 April 2023 (TATOLI)- President Republic of Timor-Leste José Ramos Horta and United Nations Children’s Emergency (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Minister of Health (MoH) launch National Beast breastfeeding Campaign to enhance comprehension of pregnancy mother on providing nutritious meals.
Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo said the Ministry of Health is coordinating with development partners such as United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) to provide more advocacies on breastfeeding.
“Today we officially launch breastfeeding program, it is time to go to municipality level to help rural women and pregnant women to know the importance of mother breastfeeding to a child,’’ Minister of Health, Odete Maria Freitas Belo told journalists at MNEC rooms in Pantai Kelapa, monday.
She added that it is important to ensure that women have the knowledge to provide nutritious foods to their children while also mother breastfeeding is vital to ensure the welfare of children in their future life.
Country Director of the World Health Organization, Arvind Mathur said WHO is committed to improving maternal and child nutrition.
“Nutrition is the critical part of health. Thus, nutrition is related to improving child and maternal health. Breastfeeding is the most effective way to ensure child health and survival which is beneficial for the baby and young children,’’ He said
Mature added that this program will help the mother comprehend to provide nutritious meals for children.
“I believe that this program is required the involvement of all relevant entities and partners to work together to ensure Timor-Leste can achieve Strategy Goal to reduce malnutrition and stunning,” He said
UNICEF Country Representative, Bilal Durrani said UNICEF has deployed over 100 nutritional staff to assign across the territories of Timor-Leste.
“UNICEF has deployed over 100 Timorese health staff who are specialists in the Nutrition program. They are providing nutritional advocacy to the women and pregnant women in each municipality regarding providing nutritious meals and introduce best meals types to the mothers,’’ He explained
The UNICEF recorded data shows that in 20222 over 90% of women understood the comprehensive nutrition program while in 2023 it recorded over 94% of women.
UNICEF prevalence of less weight in Timor – Leste on National data shows 32.1% at the National level, in Viqueuqe, 28.1%, Oecusse 43.8%, Manufahi 29,2, Manauto 29,5, Liquica 32.8%, Lautem23.7%, Ermera 40.0%, Dili 27.4%, Covalima 34.8%, Bobonaro 39.4%, Baucau 27.3%, Ainaro 37.0 and Aileu 32.2%.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
