DILI, 29 april 2024 (TATOLI) – The Royal Thai Government in coordination with the Royal Thai Embassy in Dili and UNFPA conducted a comprehensive five-day workshop. This workshop, focused on Advancing Midwifery Education in Timor-Leste, was offered to three notable institutions: UNTL, ICS, and ISC, and held within the Maubara Room at Timor-Plaza Dili.
The primary objective of this endeavor is to provide the required assistance for these learning institutions to ensure alignment with the standard competency based set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
During the inaugural ceremony of the esteemed workshop, Minister of Higher Education and Science, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo expressed his anticipation for the attendance of members from three prominent midwifery schools.
Minister Jerónimo encouraged all attendees to actively engage and absorb valuable knowledge from distinguished professors of KHON KAEN University.
He stated, “KHON KAEN University has a robust reputation for its in-depth midwifery curriculum. It is my earnest hope that the insights drawn from this workshop will substantially enhance our midwifery curriculum, aligning it more closely with ICM’s established standard.” “Our government consistently reaffirms our commitment to collaboration with the Thai Government and other Southeast Asian Countries, securing the fortification of higher education in Timor-Leste.”
The Ambassador of Thailand in Timor-Leste, Atipat Rojanapaibulya, has notably emphasized the robust dedication of Thailand towards supporting Timor-Leste.
“The Government of Thailand is dedicated to partnering with UNFPA in an effort to further develop the Midwifery schools curriculum in Timor-Leste. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, we are also focusing our efforts towards establishing two Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Centres in Baguia and Quelicai. Our support, representative of the Thai Government’s commitment, aims to significantly contribute to the reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity rates in Timor-Leste,” said Ambassador Rojanapaibulya.
Domigas Bernardo, Officer-In-Charge UNFPA Timor-Leste, emphasizes the importance for Midwifery schools to adopt a curriculum in line with the standards set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
“It is with great anticipation that we have awaited this moment. We wish to express our gratitude towards the Government of Thailand for taking this significant step. The alignment of our midwifery schools’ curriculum with that of the International Confederation of Midwives is crucial. A robust curriculum assures the training of highly competent midwives. Our earnest expectation is that upon graduation, the midwifery students from these three schools will be equipped to provide high-quality maternal health services, expertly assisting with normal deliveries”, she said.
Midwifery education plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and skilled delivery of care for women and newborns. By standardizing the curriculum based on international standards, the midwifery schools in Timor-Leste will be better equipped to produce competent and qualified midwives who can provide high-quality care to their communities.
The Thai Government and UNFPA have expressed their commitment to continue supporting the strengthening of midwifery education in Timor-Leste, recognizing the importance of investing in the education and training of midwives to improve healthcare outcomes for women and children in the country.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
