The Government enhances inter-ministerial collaboration to implement a programme in maternal and child health and nutrition
On April 7th, 2026, in Dili, the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion and the Ministry of Health signed a memorandum of understanding for implementing the Conditional Mother’s Allowance Programme for Maternal and Child Nutrition (Bolsa da Mãe Kondisional ba Saúde, Nutrição, e Saúde Infantil – BdMK-SANUTRIO), to enhance access to health and nutrition services for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children up to three years old from vulnerable families. 
The program enhances social protection and human capital development, focusing on the first 1,000 days of life, a vital period for children’s physical and cognitive growth.
The initiative arises from a cross-sectoral approach that integrates health services with social protection measures and provides conditional support to encourage access to prenatal and postnatal care, vaccinations, nutritional monitoring, and awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Health stated that the memorandum marks a step towards strengthening institutional collaboration to enhance nutrition and social protection services for the most vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children up to 3 years old. She also highlighted the importance of support throughout the entire life cycle, from reproductive age through childhood development.
The Minister also emphasised the role of partners, especially in supporting health services like prenatal and postnatal care, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, conducting nutritional assessments, and collaborating on community campaigns.
On the same occasion, the Minister for Social Solidarity and Inclusion stated that the memorandum formalises the institutional commitment to invest in maternal and child health and nutrition, with a particular focus on vulnerable families, and enhances the integration between social protection and health systems.
The programme is supported by international partners and requires signing additional technical agreements to implement it operationally.
Institutional representatives, leaders, technical staff, and cooperation partners took part in the ceremony.
The BdMK-SANUTRIO programme will be implemented in phases, aiming to improve maternal and child nutrition indicators and promote sustainable development.
