DILI, 10 january 2023 (TATOLI) – The Timor-Leste Ministry of Health (MoH) and the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) signed an agreement to purchase Specialized Nutritious Foods (SNF) to tackle malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
The US$600,000 provided by the Ministry of Health will allow WFP to purchase over 380 metric tons in 2024.
The products will be distributed by the MoH to address and manage acute and chronic malnutrition and will benefit more than 10,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women in 13 municipalities facing nutritious food gaps.
The Minister of Health Élia Amaral said: “By providing specialized food through Community Health Centers, the Government of Timor-Leste will boost the nutrition of pregnant and breastfeeding women at a vital time in their child’s development.”
The initiative represents a step towards Timor-Leste’s broader strategy to combat chronic malnutrition and reach the goal of zero hunger by 2030.
“Women and girls of childbearing age face the brunt of nutritious food gaps in the country. This, coupled with the impact of COVID-19, increasing food costs, and climate shocks, places women at increased risk of malnutrition. WFP is delighted to partner with the Ministry of Health to help address this gap and to support a healthier future for mothers and children in Timor-Leste,” said Alba Cecilia Garzon Olivares, WFP Country Representative for Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
