Timor-Leste implements advanced data-driven census to enhance social protection and reduce child stunting

In 2026, INETL will conduct a household census across the municipalities of Covalima, Ermera, and Oecusse. Detailed socio‑economic and vulnerability data will be collected from nearly 60,000 households to support the establishment of a national social registry and help support beneficiary targeting for the Bolsa da Mãe Kondisionál ba Saúde NutrisaunInan no Oan (BdMK‑SANUTRIO) program.

The census will pilot for the Government’s long-term goal to build an integrated national social registry that can support adaptive, shock‑responsive social protection during crises.

A major outcome of this partnership is the roll out of the machine learning enhanced Proxy Means Test (PMT), developed by WFP and INETL with the MSSI, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  This positions Timor‑Leste among the first countries in Southeast Asia to use machine‑learning for social-protection targeting, modernizing its national data systems.

Leaders Emphasize National Impact

The Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Veronica das Dores, said the partnership strengthens Timor-Leste's commitment to fair and resilient social protection. 

“Our goal is to build a social protection system that is fair, resilient, and responsive. With this partnership, Timor-Leste is taking a decisive step toward improving maternal and child nutrition and reducing stunting, while also strengthening the systems that protect our most vulnerable citizens.

INETL President Elias dos Santos Ferreira emphasized the significance of data in informing sound policy decisions. 

“Reliable data is the foundation of good policy. This census will not only strengthen our ability to target the BdMK‑SANUTRIO program accurately but also lay the groundwork for a future national social registry that ensures government decisions are based on the best available evidence.”

WFP Country Representative Jacqueline de Groot described the collaboration as a major step forward for ensuring that assistance reaches the families who need it most.

“This partnership is a major step forward for Timor-Leste’s social protection landscape. By aligning with Government priorities and combining high‑quality data, cutting‑edge analytics, and strong national leadership, we are helping ensure that the right support reaches the families who need it most. WFP is proud to support this nationally driven effort.”

By partnering in this initiative, Timor-Leste demonstrates its strong commitment to data-driven public policy and the modernization of its social protection systems, ultimately contributing to healthier families and stronger national resilience.

Ends

About BdMK-SANUTRIO

The BdMK-SANUTRIO program targets pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under three from vulnerable families to improve maternal and child nutrition and reduce stunting. The program forms part of MSSI’s broader vision to build an integrated, adaptive, and shock‑responsive national social protection system that enhances human capital and strengthens resilience.

About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.             

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