Dili, August 22nd, 2024 — The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health Timor-Leste, with technical and financial support from UNFPA Timor-Leste, successfully concluded the 18-day training program on Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC). This training, which ran from July 24th to August 14th, 2024 marked the completion of the 14th batch of EmONC training.

Thirteen trainees, including three doctors and ten midwives from Viqueque, Lautem, Manufahi, Ainaro, Ermera, Bobonaro, Baucau, Manatuto and Oecusse, participated in this program. During the closing ceremony, Dr. Domingas Bernardo, Assistant Representative of UNFPA Timor-Leste, emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained during the training in their respective workplaces. She highlighted the critical role that healthcare professionals play in saving the lives of pregnant women and their babies, urging them to stay connected with their trainers and seek assistance whenever managing complications beyond their expertise.

Ms. Maria Lucia Godinho, Program Officer of Safe Motherhood from the Maternal and Child Health Directorate, Ministry of Health also addressed the trainees, stressing the importance of compassionate care. "As the hands and feet of the Ministry, we ask you to attend to mothers with love and compassion. This training represents a significant investment from our partners, especially UNFPA. We urge you to make the best use of this knowledge in your workplaces."

Dra. Lucia, a trainee from the Iliomar Community Health Center, shared that the training had significantly boosted her confidence and ability to manage pregnant women with complications. "Before this training, we frequently referred complicated cases due to lack of knowledge. However, with the EmONC training, we've learned how to manage these cases, and we return to our workplaces confident that we can handle complications."

Similarly, Judith Ulan, a midwife from Oesilo Community Health Center, expressed gratitude to the Government and partners for this valuable initiative. "The EmONC training is vital in saving the lives of mothers and babies. However, we need continuous support, as this training alone is not sufficient. I believe that if all health personnel in Timor-Leste receive this training, maternal and infant mortality rates will significantly decline."

Since its inception in 2018, the EmONC training program has successfully trained 167 health care professionals, including 55 doctors and 112 midwives. This initiative is effectively implemented by the Ministry of Health through the National Institute of Public Health Timor-Leste (INSPTL), which receives invaluable technical and financial support from UNFPA.