DILI, 07 march 2024 (TATOLI) – Today, WHO Timor-Leste took a significant step in enhancing Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) management units and breastfeeding rooms across five referral hospitals and one National hospital by handing over essential anthropometric equipment to the Ministry of Health.
Anthropometric tools are designed to measure body weight, height/length, and mid-upper arm circumference to screen children for different types of malnutrition.
Additionally, WHO provided furniture, electronics, and ward equipment to strengthen these units and rooms.
This initiative underlines WHO’s commitment to combating malnutrition in Timor-Leste and supporting health facilities to be baby-friendly.
“By improving SAM units and breastfeeding rooms, healthcare workers will be better equipped to fulfill their responsibilities effectively,” said WHO Representative to Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur.
With almost every second child being stunted (47.1 percent of children under five years of age), improving SAM units and breastfeeding rooms will contribute to combating malnutrition in the country.
Timor-Leste has the third highest prevalence of stunting and is among the only three countries in which at least half of children below 5 are stunted.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
