With funding from China, the Ministry of Health and WFP starts distribution of super cereal to women in Timor-Leste

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ministry of Health have started distributing Super Cereal to those in need today. Nearly the next four months, the healthy meals will be distributed to over 144,000 malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding moms.

"The contribution agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the World Food Programme (WFP) comes at an ideal time since many communities are struggling to meet their food needs as a result of the pandemic and natural catastrophes such as last year's cyclone. At today's launch in Dili, Minister of Health H.E. Dr Odete Maria Freitas Belo appreciated China for its generosity and humanitarianism.

Timor-Leste suffers from malnutrition and a lack of food security. One-third of the population suffers from chronic hunger. Stunted growth affects 47 per cent of 5-year-olds, and 32 per cent are underweight. Anemia affects 30% of reproductive-age women. Today's distribution is part of a World Food Programme (WFP) malnutrition initiative.

China is a World Food Programme (WFP) partner. Humanitarian help is our first priority. Many people in Timor-Leste have been unable to obtain adequate food as a result of last year's rains and the worldwide food crisis, according to Ambassador Dr Xiao Jianguo. "This gift will benefit women and their families." China collaborates with the World Food Programme to offer school lunches to students.

Timor-security Leste's and nutrition gaps are widening as global food prices rise. According to a current socio-economic impact analysis carried out by The government of Timor-Leste, 38% of households had to reduce the quality of their meals, and 21% of the lower-income households had to skip a meal.

"The Ukraine conflict is exacerbating already high food prices, reducing people's capacity to eat healthily." Dageng Liu, WFP Country Director in Timor-Leste, is honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide life-saving food and nutrition to the most vulnerable people. "We appreciate China's prompt assistance, which is critical to our life-saving reaction in the country."