DILI, 06 May 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched the National Nutrition Campaign with the powerful theme: “Eating Nutritious Food for a Healthy Life.”
The campaign was launched by the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, together with the WHO Representative in Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur.
The campaign is a national call to action for the health and well-being of the Timorese people. This initiative represents both a call to action and reflects the national commitment to building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Timor-Leste.
Assanami said that malnutrition not only poses significant risks to health but also affects citizens’ productivity, which contributes to setbacks in national economic development: “This campaign reminds us that nutrition is at the center of national development and human potential.”
“Good nutrition is the foundation for strong communities, productive citizens and sustainable economic growth. When children are fed, they grow stronger and learn better. When mothers are fed, families thrive. And when communities are nourished, nations thrive,” said Assanami in Dili, on Tuesday.
The Vice Minister said when nutrition is neglected, the consequences are felt for generations: “Malnutrition not only affects the health of individuals, it weakens our health systems, affects our educational outcomes, reduces labour productivity and limits the economic progress we are all working so hard to achieve.” “Better nutrition is associated with better child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, and lower risk of non-communicable diseases. In fact, investing in nutrition is one of the most cost-effective ways to build a healthier and more resilient society.”
Arvind Mathur said that the campaign will deliver clear messages about the importance of consuming nutritious food, which is crucial for the health of both mothers and children: “Nutrition is not just about food on the plate. It is about a child’s ability to learn. A mother’s ability to give birth safely. A nation’s ability to grow and flourish.”
“In Timor-Leste, where 1 in 2 children under five still experience stunted growth, and where malnutrition continues to be a barrier to human development, this campaign could not be more timely and more necessary,” said Mathur. “With this campaign, we aim to empower communities to make informed choices. I am pleased that the UN has supported the communication package – including videos, posters, and leaflets – that would help to comprehensively promote maternal and child nutrition, healthy diets, and food safety in communities, at health facilities, and at schools under this campaign.”
Mathur called on policymakers, agencies, community leaders, health professionals, educators, media, and parents to contribute to lending their voices and energy to the campaign to “make nutrition a matter of national conversation and a measure of our collective progress.”
“The United Nations remains fully committed to supporting the people and Government of Timor-Leste in ensuring that every child, every woman, every family has access to nutritious food, quality health services, and the knowledge to make healthy choices,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martin
