- Publika iha: 09 Dezembro 2024
The Ministry of Health (MS), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), inaugurated a safe space for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Eduardo Ximenes Regional Hospital (HOREX) in Baucau Municipality to provide care for survivors.

During the event, the Vice Minister of Health for Hospital Operationalization (VMSOO), Flávio Brandão Mendes de Araújo, said gender-based violence does not only affect women but also men and that this highlights the need for a safe space to provide services to survivors.
"We are inaugurating a safe space dedicated to addressing gender-based violence. We all know that GBV does not only affect women but also men, though it primarily impacts mothers and children," said the VM Araújo in his speech at the opening of the safe space at the Eduardo Ximenes Regional Hospital in Baucau.
He extended his gratitude for the support and collaboration from all involved entities.
"We are grateful for all the support and collaboration from various entities, especially the technical and financial support from UNFPA, KOICA, and all regional authorities," he said.
During the event, UNFPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Domingas Bernardo, noted that the inauguration of the GBV Safe Space at HOREX Baucau represents a collective milestone.
"I am deeply thankful as we launch this Safe Space at HOREX Baucau. It marks another milestone in our collective efforts and underscores UNFPA's unwavering commitment and determination to eliminate gender-based violence in Timor-Leste," said the UNFPA Representative.
She further elaborated that GBV has become a significant public health issue and remains a common violation of human rights in Timor-Leste, a young nation.
"We recognize that GBV is a public health issue. Therefore, we strived to create a safe space for all women and mothers while also supporting health facilities with adequate conditions to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence," she added.