DILI, 16 october 2024 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Health, with technical support from UNFPA and funding from the Government of Japan conduct three-day orientation for facilitators from 13 municipalities on standard guidelines and protocols for antenatal care and postnatal care. The orientation take place at the Hotel Novo Turismo in Dili and aimed to have a pool of facilitators to support the program through continues orientation training and close monitoring and supportive supervision to improve maternal and child health services across the country, to ensure the quality of services and to help improve the outcomes of the pregnancy for mothers and babies.
In her opening remarks, UNFPA Assistant Representative in Timor-Leste, Domingas Bernardo, emphasized the significance of this training. “This three-day orientation for facilitators working in maternal and child health is critical, as they will pass on the skills they acquire to healthcare providers in their municipalities. This will enhance the quality of services in maternal and child health, ultimately reducing the maternal and infant mortality rate in Timor-Leste.”
Bernardo also highlighted that the financial support from the Government of Japan will improve antenatal and postnatal care services, as well as raise community awareness, contributing to a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
Yuki Sakai, Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste, noted Japan’s long-standing collaboration with Timor-Leste in maternal and child health. She stated, “We believe that the training of healthcare professionals will save many lives, particularly those of newborn babies and women before and after childbirth. Japan has been committed to improving access to maternal and child healthcare in Timor-Leste, which is vital for young nations with a growing population.”
Lucia Barreto, Head of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, reiterated the government’s efforts to address high maternal and child mortality rates in the region. “The Ministry of Health, with the support of partners, continues to work tirelessly to enhance the skills of doctors and midwives in maternal and child health services, improve antenatal and postnatal care, and upgrade health facilities. These efforts are aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Timor-Leste.”
The Government of Japan has provided $7.5 million to UNFPA for the project titled “Reducing Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality through Strengthening the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Services in Timor-Leste”, which will take place from 2024 to 2027.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
