Report shows way forward for partners fighting hunger in Timor-Leste
DILI – WFP, in partnership with the National Council for Food Security, Sovereignty and Nutrition in Timor-Leste (KONSSANTIL), launched the Fill the Nutrient Gap (FNG) report today. The report focuses on identifying policies and interventions best suited to help the people of Timor-Leste access nutritious foods, particularly the most vulnerable.
“The FNG report will help us better understand the barriers in accessing nutritious food among different households,” said Justino dos Santos, Secretary, KONSSANTIL. “It will also help us come up with sound policies and programmes to overcome these barriers for the people of Timor-Leste.”
Conducted in 2019, the report examines the nutritional needs of Timorese households, particularly around food affordability and accessibility. The key findings reveal that diets are poor and lack diversity, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children and adolescent girls. Pregnant and nursing women are at particular risk of malnutrition and adolescent girls at high risk of micronutrient deficiencies.
The report acknowledges that the Government has been increasingly engaged in working to translate nutrition policy into tangible actions to reduce malnutrition and enhance social protection.
“Working hand-in-hand with line ministries through KONSSANTIL, WFP will continue providing support to the Government of Timor-Leste in achieving Zero Hunger,” said Dageng Liu, WFP Country Director. “We hope the report will lead to more effective policies and programmes and improved food and nutritional status of Timor-Leste’s people.”
The report was made possible thanks to the support of various partners and donors, including FAO, UNICEF, WHO, European Union (EU), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and USAID-Avanza Agriculture Project.
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