DILI, 24 June 2025 — Timor-Leste, on Monday marked a significant step forward in improving maternal and newborn care with the official launch of the Training of Trainers (ToT) on Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC), an initiative supported by the Government of Japan, UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, INSP-TL, and HAMNASA.
The program aims to build a national team of EmONC trainers who will be responsible for equipping health providers across the country with life-saving skills in emergency obstetric and newborn care. These trainers will also offer mentorship, on-the-job supervision, and support for quality assurance and continuous professional development.
Speaking at the launch event, Tetsuya Kimura, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting maternal and child health, highlighting the country’s US$7.5 million contribution to the initiative.
“No one should be left behind—especially mothers and newborns at risk during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Ambassador Kimura.
The training is part of a broader effort to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Timor-Leste, where access to emergency care remains a major challenge in many remote areas.
Navchaa Suren, UNFPA Representative to Timor-Leste, emphasized the leadership role that trainers will assume in shaping the country’s healthcare landscape.
“You are stepping into a vital leadership role. You will influence the quality of care, empower fellow healthcare providers, and ultimately contribute to lasting, positive change in the lives of women and newborns nationwide,” she said.
Marcelina Fátima Martins, representing INSP-TL, underscored that the training goes beyond technical expertise.
“This ToT is not only about clinical skills but also about leadership, ethics, and a commitment to delivering dignified, evidence-based care,” she said.
The launch of this initiative reflects the government and its partners’ shared vision for a resilient health system—one where every birth is safe and every life matters.
TATOLI
