UNFPA and Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture Sign MoU to Strengthen Midwifery Education in Timor-Leste
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MoHESC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen midwifery education in Timor-Leste, reaffirming their shared vision to improve the health and well-being of women, mothers, and newborns across the nation.
The signing ceremony brought together senior government officials, representatives of the diplomatic community, development partners, rectors, deans, and directors from midwifery schools, as well as members of the UN system and other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Representative Navchaa Suren emphasized that this agreement is more than a symbolic gesture, it is a concrete step toward sustainable transformation in the health and education sector.
“Skilled and empowered midwives can deliver up to 90% of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services. Investing in midwifery education is one of the most cost-effective and impactful strategies to improve maternal and newborn health.” said Ms. Suren.
The MoU outlines UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the Government in reviewing and enhancing midwifery education, ensuring that curricula, standards, and policies are aligned with global benchmarks established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). This includes providing technical expertise, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering opportunities for South-South and Triangular cooperation with countries that have successfully advanced their midwifery education systems.
Through this partnership, UNFPA and MoHESC aim to ensure that every midwifery student in Timor-Leste receives high-quality education, every graduate emerges as a skilled professional, and every woman in the country has access to safe, respectful, and life-saving care.
The agreement also reflects Timor-Leste’s broader national priorities and its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. Strengthening midwifery education is a cornerstone of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths and to build a resilient, highly capable health workforce.
As Timor-Leste moves closer to full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the focus on human capital development has become even more critical. Building a competent health workforce that meets international standards will not only improve national health outcomes but also contribute to the country’s regional integration and global engagement.
Reflecting on the importance of the agreement, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, H.E. José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, emphasized that strengthening midwifery education is central to improving health outcomes in the country.
“With this MoU, we are taking decisive steps to ensure that our midwifery schools deliver education of the highest quality. By aligning our curriculum with international standards, we will produce competent and compassionate midwives who will play a vital role in reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Timor-Leste. This is not only about education—it is about saving lives and building a healthier nation,” said Minister José Honório.
The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in advancing health and education in Timor-Leste. Both partners expressed their gratitude for the collaboration and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no woman dies while giving life and that every pregnancy and birth are supported by skilled, compassionate, and confident midwives.
