In a ceremony held at the UNTL, UNFPA handed over training and audio visual equipment that will improve the learning environment of the midwifery school. The donation is part of UNFPA's on-going program to strengthen pre-service training of health personnel in Timor-Leste.  Dra. Lidia Gomes, Principal of the Midwifery School was present to receive the items.

Dr. Chandani Galwaduge noted that "pre -service training is crucial and UNFPA considers it as a worthwhile investment which yield long term results. We believe that these equipment not only will help to improve the teaching methodologies, but also will be a trigger to initiate a culture of self learning by the midwifery students."

Mr. John M. Pile, UNFPA Representative, remarked that each year over 15,000 women in Timor-Leste give birth without skilled care, increasing the risk of death and disability for both the mother and newborn. "Timor-Leste needs midwives now more than ever. Investments in midwives can help avert a significant number of the over 200 maternal deaths and 2,000 newborn deaths that occur every year due to the lack of well-educated and regulated health workers and adequate facilities."

Dr. Joao Soares Martins, MD, PhD, Dean of Medicine and Health Science Faculty noted that "UNFPA has supported the Midwifery School since its inception in 2008 and on behalf of the faculty, the Midwifery school & the University, we thank UNFPA & look forward to their continued support."

In return, Dra. Lidia Gomes presents traditional "Tais" to Mr. John Pile - which represents high appreciation according to Timorese culture.