As part of their two day visit to Timor-Leste, the wife of UN Secretary General, Madame Ban Soon-taek paid a visit to National Hospital Guido Valadares in Dili. The First Lady of RDTL, Senora Isabel Ferreira, Dr. Odete Viegas Hospital Director, and UNFPA representatives hosted Madame Ban Soon-taek as she made a tour of the maternity ward of the national hospital. Madame Ban experienced first-hand the reproductive health services run at the Government hospital with support from UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund). Madame Ban has a special interest in women's health and women's rights and used this high profile visit to raise awareness on these issues in Timor-Leste.
During her visit, Madame Ban Soon-taek also attended a lunch with over 50 representatives from various women's organizations in the Canossa Sisters Convent, Becora. During her address at this function, Madame Ban Soon-taek told the participants that she first came to visit Timor-Leste 5 years ago with her husband Mr. Ban Ki Moon and since then, she has noticed a lot of changes in this country. Madame Ban Soon-taek paid tribute to the women of Timor-Leste who have been making an enormous contribution to the wellbeing of this country, socially, economically and culturally.
Madame Ban Soon-taek also visited the Alma Sisters Congregation, a home for children with disabilities in Pantai Kelapa, Dili where the Alma sisters care for over 76 children. Madame Ban Soon-taek was greeted by the children and presented with tais upon her arrival and taken on a tour of the facilities at the home including the therapy rooms and play areas. The First Lady of RDTL, Senora Isabel Ferreira said that as a result of Madame Ban's visit, Timor-Leste would pay more attention to vulnerable people especially to women and children.
Madame Ban Soon-taek thanked the people of Timor-Leste for being such gracious hosts, and in particular to the First Lady of RDTL Senora Isabel Ferreira and UNFPA Representative Mr. Pornchai Suchitta. Madame Ban Soon-taek wished the First Lady every success with the new leadership of this country at this very important point in Timor-Leste's future.
