Timor-Leste takes step to invest in specialized nutritious food to tackle stunting

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Health has channeled US$600,000 to WFP to facilitate the purchase of over 380 metric tons of Specialized Nutritious Food 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.

“By providing the 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,” said H.E. Dr. Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral, the Minister of Health.

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.

#                         #                   #

Notes to editors

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.

Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media and Facebook www.facebook.com/wfptimor/