Dili, October 23, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Health, through the General Directorate of Primary Health Care (KSP), together with WHO partners and Municipal Directors, held a workshop to discuss technical support for the government to improve nutrition aspects at hospital level in Timor-Leste. The workshop took place at Delta-Nova.
According to the Director General of Primary Health Care, Elizabeth Letomau, the workshop was held to contribute to the improvement of the health system by seeking consensus and collective validation on nutrition service aspects within hospitals in Timor-Leste.
“Today is an important moment in contributing to the improvement of the health system in Timor-Leste. I am truly proud that we are together creating space to seek consensus and collective validation for these crucial documents which can improve nutrition service aspects in hospitals. Our hospitals are not only places for treating patients with medication, but must also ensure that patients receive safe and nutritious food for their recovery process,” said Director General KSP, Elisabeth Leto-Mau.
She added that the aim of the workshop is to discuss three key manuals, and how to further improve them in the future. Therefore, these documents must be handled with serious attention.
“The three manuals are important documents such as the Hospital Meal Manual which will guide food preparation services for patients in all hospitals. This manual will help standardize and clarify menus, portions, and forms of service based on patients’ clinical conditions,” she continued.
The Director also underlined that the Good Practice Guide for Food Hygiene is crucial to prevent diseases that may arise from contaminated, poorly prepared, or unsafe food.
“We can perform all major medical efforts, but if the food is unsafe, patients may fall ill again. The Hospital Nutrition Manual will serve as a reference for health technicians and nutrition professionals to determine appropriate dietary prescriptions for patients with different conditions. Nutrition has a direct impact on treatment and patient recovery,” she explained.
The Director expressed gratitude to the technical team from the National Directorate of Nutrition along with support from partners such as WHO, UNICEF, WFP, and other organizations that continue providing technical assistance to the government to improve nutrition aspects at hospital level.
She urged hospital directors and managers to prioritize the nutrition sector to ensure that the health system is strong not only in medical treatment, but also in nutrition.
She further explained that the activity will be held over two days, with participation from Hospital Executive Directors, ADT Directors, National Directors, Department Heads, KSI Heads, representatives from WHO and relevant institutions, health professionals and all other participants.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano