DILI, 11 May 2025 (TATOLI)— On Friday, Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs, Rural Development, and Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, along with Patrizia Digiovanni, the UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, signed a joint action plan to address malnutrition in Timor-Leste
This collaboration aims to validate the ongoing partnership between UNICEF and various departments under the Vice Prime Minister, including the National Council for Food Security, known as the National Council for Food and Nutrition Security (CONSSAN, Portuguese acronym), and the Mission Unit for Combating Stunting (UNMICS).
The Vice Prime Minister, Mariano Assanami, expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for its collaboration with the government in supporting effective systems and facilitating priority programs for the administration.
“Today, we mark a pivotal moment in our fight against child malnutrition. The signing of this joint action plan with UNICEF is not just a formal process, but a national declaration. This document drives momentum and accountability for our efforts. With UNMICS and CONSSAN TL leading the way, we are not just improving coordination, but also building a governance system that is sustainable, evidence-based, and informed by the voices and needs of our communities,” Mariano Assanami said in his speech at the signing ceremony in City8, Manleuana, Dili.
The Vice Minister emphasized the need for cooperation among ministries linked to CONSAN TL, including the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAP), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEK), and others, including UNMICS, to contribute to the implementation of programs aimed at preventing malnutrition in Timor-Leste.
In the same place, Patrizia Digiovanni, the UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, stated that UNICEF is committed to preventing malnutrition in Timor-Leste and maintaining food security, ensuring that all children in Timor-Leste have access to proper nutrition.
“Today’s signing of the Annual Work Plan with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirms our shared commitment to eliminating malnutrition in Timor-Leste. UNICEF is proud to support UNMICS and CONSSAN TL in strengthening nutrition governance, coordination, and community engagement, while laying the foundation for a healthier future for all children in Timor-Leste,” Patrizia Digiovanni explained.
Thus, Joel Maria Pereira, the Executive Director of the Unit for Stunting Reduction (UNMICS) in Timor-Leste, stated that, in addition to the signing ceremony, there was also a workshop discussing awareness programs among related ministries.
“Each related ministry must focus on implementing the planned activities according to the established framework, ensuring that malnutrition prevention efforts in Timor-Leste are effectively carried out,” Joel said.
According to data, 47% of children under the age of five experience stunting, which has a significant long-term impact on their physical and mental health. It also affects their cognitive abilities and overall productivity throughout their lives.
Jornalist: Felicidade Ximenes
Editor: Xisto Freitas da Piedade
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
