Dili, December 23, 2024 (Média Democracia) – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health launched a safe entry health center in Lospalos.
In her speech, UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste, Domingas Bernardo said that UNFPA marks another new history of collective efforts for everyone to support the Ministry of Health in launching the eighth health center in the municipalities of Dili, Liquiça, Ermera (Gleno), Viqueque, Baucau, Covalima (Suai), Atabae and now in Lospalos.
“I just want to remind you that, gender-based violence is a public health issue, therefore the role and health system is very important, therefore UNFPA is working with the Ministry of Health to establish health centers in the municipalities to facilitate the community well about health and gender-based violence, to provide an overview in the demographic health research of Timor-Leste shows in Lospalos data in 2016 there were 38% of women of childbearing age aged 15-49 years who experienced physical, sexual and emotional violence, so this shows that the case will be very serious in Lospalos, and therefore ask all of us to collaborate further to ensure effective prevention and response to the problem of gender-based violence in Lospalos (lautem).” Said UNFPA representative in Timor-Leste, Domingas Bernardo
She added that UNFPA wanted to convey to the authorities about the National Action Plan against Gender-Based Violence which is related to the Domestic Violence Law that was enacted in 2010, meaning that the work is interrelated.
“UNFPA works with the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Agency which also organizes training for technical support to further strengthen the capacity and health system, so that it can ensure from the Ministry of Health for survivors of gender-based violence to provide essential assistance for the needs of survivors, and an effective form to be considered based on international and national guidelines, meaning that the health system does not work alone, we have a director of MSA whose job is how to manage cases of gender-based violence and also in the field of justice and police.” She added.
In addition, the establishment of safe places and having health facilities is very important to provide first-line support. Congratulations to those who come and ask for help in the health system, a component of essential protection for survivors to ensure availability, this is the principle of health workers for care services, assistance for survivors of gender-based violence.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano