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Timor - Leste International and Local Media Monitoring for November 03, 2004

Ministry of Health establishes pilot maternity centre Suara Timor Lorosa'e (STL)

In order to reduce the high mortality rates of mothers and children, the Ministry of Health is undertaking a project to establish maternity centres, which are to be built in remote areas, said the Minister of Health Dr. Rui Maria de Araujo.

The Minister noted that the aim of establishig the centres is to get all the pregnant women in Sucos (Villages) and Aldeias (Sub-Villages) to be assisted by nurses and midwives during delivery.

At the same time women would also be educated by the nurses and midwives in baby caresuch as nutrition and basic hygiene, Dr. Rui said. This project has started in the district of Lospalos and should be established in other districts soon.

The paper mentioned that this project is in cooperation with local leaders to identify the number of pregnant women in certain areas.

Note: The World Bank welcomes comments and suggestions, as well as information about errors that call for correction. Messages may be sent to Sildonia Sarmento who can be reached through e-mail at ssarmento@worldbank.org or telephoned at 332 4649, extension 304.

David de Araujo Receptionist World Bank, Dili Office