Australian Ambassador for Timor-Leste Peter Doyle says the Australian government is strongly committed to supporting Timor-Leste through the Ministry of health (MS), and other partners to save and improve the lives of mothers and children in Timor-Leste. 
He said in 2007 the Australian government began to support the priority plans of MS and the activities of MSI-TL implemented in eight districts, to improve mothers’ health, including sexual health.
“The Australian government is very committed to improving the health of mothers and children in Timor-Leste,” the Ambassador said in Dili.
He said as the new ambassador for Timor-Leste he will travel to the districts to see firsthand the work of the Australian government-funded MSI-TL and the MS programs.
Minister of Health Sergio da Costa Lobo acknowledged that the mortality rate of mothers and children in Timor-Leste was still high compared to global figures as demonstrated by the Demography Health Survey 2009-2010, making it all the more important to cooperate with all partners.
“The ministry needs MSI-TL’s support because we all know that the mortality rate of mothers and children is still on the rise, especially in Timor-Leste,” Minister Lobo said.
MSI-TL country director Nicola Morgan said MSI’s presence in Timor-Leste was to help the government improve the mortality rate of mothers and children and alleviate poverty.
She said MSI had been in Timor-Leste for seven years, covering eight districts; Dili, Baucau, Bobonaro, Ermera, Viqueque, Ainaro, Lautem and Manufahi.
MSI has plans to extend to another district in the future.
“We want to help the government pay attention to reproductive health, family planning, HIV,” she said.
According to 2013 data, MSI-TL has helped MS provide the family planning service for 38,139 people and healthcare for 6,470 mothers including treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
