Dili: In April this year, Timor-Leste witnessed a momentous event as President Dr. José Ramos-Horta launched a national campaign to elevate breastfeeding rates across the island nation. This ambitious initiative aims not only to enhance breastfeeding statistics but also to ingrain breastfeeding as an everyday priority transcending all sectors of society. Throughout this month, the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, alongside trusted partners like the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have taken the campaign beyond the capital city of Dili, to other corners of the country, including Gariuai, Baucau, Maukatar in Covalima and Same in Manufahi. As the campaign continues to unfold, more districts are poised to benefit from its vital message. Here, a look at the campaign in pictures:
Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, Minister of Health Dr. Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral, and WHO Representative Dr. Arvind Mathur came together to kick-start this national movement at Gariuai, Baucau on August 11.
The campaign addresses a critical concern: a significant number of newborns do not receive breastfeeding within their first hour of life, while nearly 36% of Timorese children aged 0 to 5 months are not exclusively breastfed. These stark statistics revealed by the Timor-Leste Food and Nutrition Survey 2020, underscore the campaign's importance.
Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, in his address at Gariuai, Baucau, shed light on breastfeeding's potential to combat malnutrition. He extended his gratitude to the dedicated mothers who form the cornerstone of this vital practice.
Minister of Health Dr. Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards the dedicated health workers who stand by new mothers, providing support and raising awareness about breastfeeding.
WHO Representative Dr. Arvind Mathur emphasized the campaign's overarching goal: to shift the narrative around breastfeeding. He stressed that the responsibility lies not just with mothers but with their entire support network, be it husbands, in-laws, parents, colleagues, or employers. The intention is to foster these conversations across all sectors of society.
The campaign made its way to the Covalima district on August 22, 2023. The launch was marked by the presence of municipal authorities and directors from the district health services.
The Covalima event was attended not only by officials but also by local leaders, representatives from line ministries, and members of mothers' support groups, emphasizing the community's shared commitment to this cause.
On August 28th, 2023, the campaign extended its activities to Same, situated in the Manufahi district. The event was attended by municipal health authorities, officials from the Ministry of Health, and members of the local community. This two-day campaign in Same covered four administrative posts.
Pregnant women and new mothers who attended the event were informed about the significance of breastfeeding, including why it is crucial and how it influences the overall health and well-being of both infants and mothers.
At its core, the campaign strives to elevate awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. The message is clear: every expectant mother and new mother should be aware of the advantages of colostrum feeding—the initial milk produced by mothers—and the indispensable role of exclusive breastfeeding.
Through collective effort and shared responsibility, this campaign seeks to rewrite the narrative, weaving breastfeeding into the fabric of daily life and nurturing a healthier future for the nation.