DILI, 21 february 2024 (TATOLI) – The Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, World Health Organization (WHO), and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has launched the school health room pilot activity at the EBC 10 de Dezembru School.
The EBC 10 de Dezembru School was selected through a collaborative effort with the Ministries, considering its suitable infrastructure such as available space and adequate facilities.
Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative to Timor-Leste said WHO is proud to hand over the fully equipped health room, named the “Wellness Room (Sala Saudavel),” furnished with essential furniture, medical equipment, and consumables.
“I am pleased to be here today, as we launch the school health room pilot activity, showcasing the operationalization of a school health room with a dedicated full-time school nurse. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Health for the provision of essential medicines, supplied through the Comoro Community Health Centre,” said Mathur in Dili.
He said that schools play a pivotal role in nurturing the health, well-being, and holistic development of children and adolescents: “They serve as environments where young individuals acquire knowledge, socioemotional skills like self-regulation and resilience, and critical abilities. Access to education within safe and supportive school settings is directly correlated with improved health outcomes. Similarly, good health is associated with reduced drop-out rates and higher levels of achievement in education, employment, and overall productivity.”
“The Say No to 5S project was initiated in 2022 with the very aim of utilizing the schools as strategic platforms to enhance the health and nutrition of Timorese children,” Mathur said.
Mathur said the pilot project would be extended to other 12 schools across Dili, Bobonaro, Manufahi, and Baucau: “WHO remains committed to supporting the Ministries in extending this activity to an additional 11 schools.”
“I encourage the Ministry of Education to consider sustaining this program across all schools. In doing so, I once again assure WHO’s full commitment and support to ensuring a healthier and brighter future for the children of Timor-Leste,” said Mathur.
KOICA Country Director Yeon Hwa Kang said that the launch of the Wellness Room is key to ensuring that students receive immediate care at school, adding that it plays a fundamental role in promoting health education and fostering a culture of wellness among students: “It ensure a brighter, healthier, and safer future for our students.”
Elizabeth Leto Mau, National Director of the Ministry of Health, said that the Wellness Room would provide first aid to the students before transferring them to the nearest hospital for intensive treatment.
The Secretary of State for Secondary Education and Technical Schools, Domingos Lopes Lemos, on behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, thanked the development partners for the support in establishing the School Health Room, reiterating the need to extend the pilot project to other schools in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
