New Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Centre Opens in Atsabe, Strengthening Maternal and Newborn Health

SAPNewsTL, Ermera : The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan (EJ) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has inaugurated a Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Centre (BEmONC) in Laclo Village, Atsabe Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality, to strengthen access to maternal and newborn health services.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste, Funmi Balogun, said the inauguration of the Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Centre in Atsabe represents an important step in strengthening the health system and ensuring that communities have access to affordable and quality maternal and newborn healthcare.

Balogun noted that for a woman experiencing complications during childbirth, a five- to six-hour journey from Atsabe to Dili can mean the difference between life and death. The new centre, she said, will enable pregnant women experiencing complications to access emergency care more quickly.

“Today’s inauguration is not only about opening a new health facility, but also marks an important milestone towards a more accessible, equitable and responsive health system for the population,” said UN Resident Coordinator Funmi Balogun during the inauguration at Atsabe Health Centre on 31 August 2026.

The project reinforces the commitment of the Government and its development partners to implementing the principle of “leaving no one behind”, ensuring that geographical distance and other limitations do not become barriers preventing women and newborns from accessing essential healthcare.

Balogun also called on the leadership of the Ministry of Health, municipal health authorities and health professionals to continue working together to strengthen maternal and child health services in Timor-Leste.

She expressed her appreciation to the Government of Japan for its financial support and to UNFPA for its technical assistance, which contributed to the construction and operationalisation of the centre.

According to data presented during the inauguration, Ermera Municipality has approximately 17,000 women of reproductive age, with around 5,000 births recorded each year. Of this population, approximately 800 women of reproductive age are located in Atsabe Administrative Post. The presence of the new centre is therefore expected to provide direct benefits to many communities that have faced difficulties accessing emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

Balogun also highlighted findings from the 2024–2025 Demographic and Health Survey, which indicate that the proportion of births attended by trained birth attendants increased from 60 percent in 2016 to 78 percent currently. In addition, 88 percent of pregnant women receive antenatal care from trained health professionals, while the neonatal mortality rate has declined to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births.

“These figures demonstrate that the joint efforts of the Government, development partners and communities are producing real results in the lives of women and newborns in Timor-Leste,” Balogun said.

She emphasised that continued investment in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care services will further improve maternal and child health outcomes in the future, in line with the strategic plans for the health sector.

Balogun also called on communities to play a more active role in promoting appropriate care during pregnancy, recognising danger signs and preparing adequately for childbirth in order to prevent complications.

The UN Resident Coordinator congratulated the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, the Government of Japan, municipal health authorities and health professionals who contributed to the establishment of the centre.

“Every mother deserves to receive care with dignity and quality. Every baby deserves to begin life in safe and healthy conditions. This centre will become an important asset for the community of Atsabe and for Timor-Leste as a whole,” Balogun affirmed.

Minister of Health Elia Amaral said the new centre would provide significant benefits to pregnant women and newborns in Atsabe. She noted that an estimated 819 pregnant women and approximately 745 women expected to give birth live in the area each year.

“The main objective of this facility is to ensure that every mother can give birth safely and that every baby can begin life in good health,” the Minister of Health said.

Minister Amaral added that four health professionals at the Atsabe Community Health Centre have completed specialised training in emergency obstetric and neonatal care and are ready to provide quality services to the community.

Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, YAMAMOTO Yasushi, said the inauguration of the centre reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the development of the health sector in Timor-Leste.

He said the centre is not merely a building, but also symbolises a safer future for mothers, newborns and families in Atsabe.

“Japan will continue to build a strong partnership with Timor-Leste. We will continue working together with the Government of Timor-Leste to strengthen the health system. We look forward to seeing this centre contribute to improving health and well-being for many people in Atsabe,” Ambassador YAMAMOTO said.

Representing the Ermera Municipal Authority, José da Costa Gomes expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan, UNFPA and the Ministry of Health for their investment in the municipality.

He also called for continued investment in health infrastructure and an increase in human resources to better respond to the needs of communities across Ermera.

The new centre is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing maternal and newborn mortality and improving the quality of maternal and neonatal health services in Atsabe Administrative Post.