Timor-Leste invests in super cereal to combat stunting
2024-01-04 16:47
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DILI – East Timor’s Ministry of Health and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) signed yesterday an agreement supported by a US$600,000 fund to purchase stocks of super cereal, a specialized nutritious food to tackle malnutrition in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
According to the agreement, the money will be used to purchase 389 metric tons of Super Cereal, scheduled for distribution in 2024, according to the ministry. The super cereal, which has been shown to address and manage acute and chronic malnutrition, will assist around 10,819 pregnant and breastfeeding women in 13 municipalities facing nutritious food gaps.
"Women and girls of childbearing age face the brunt of nutritious food gaps in the country. This, coupled with the impact of COVID-19, increasing food costs, and climate shocks, places women at increased risk of malnutrition. WFP is delighted to partner with the Ministry of Health to help fix this food gap with super cereal procurement and to support a healthier future for mothers and children in Timor-Leste," said Alba Cecilia Garzón Olivares, WFP Country Representative, for Timor-Leste.
The initiative is part of Timor-Leste's broader strategy to eradicate stunting and reach the goal of zero hunger by 2030.
"By providing super cereal through community health centers, the government of Timor-Leste will boost the nutrition of pregnant and breastfeeding women at a vital time in their child's development," the Minister of Health Élia A.A. dos Reis Amaral said at the signing ceremony in Dili, which was attended by WFP Deputy Country Director Amin Said.
Super cereal is a highly fortified porridge made of blended corn, soybean, dried skim milk and sweetener. It provides calories, proteins and vitamins to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Timor-Leste is East Timor’s official Portuguese name.
- WFP, MPD
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