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The coastline in Dili , Timor Leste .
‘ Unacceptably high ’
Uni of Tasmania aims to reduce maternal mortality in Timor Leste
By Tim Dodd
The University of Tasmania will work with the United Nations on a project to reduce the death rate of mothers giving birth in Timor Leste .
The university ’ s Tasmanian Behavioural Lab , a unit of researchers and consultants which aims to find solutions to problems by changing behaviour , will work with the UN Population Fund to try to increase the number of women in the country who are willing to use maternal health services when they give birth .
UN Population Fund country representative in Timor Leste Pressia Arifin-Cabo , said the population fund – which is the UN sexual and reproductive health agency – had helped establish facilities such as obstetric and newborn care centres , set up guidelines for antenatal and postnatal care , and train health care staff , but the problem was to persuade women to use the available services . “ Approximately 52 per cent of women in the country are still excluded from these services due to lack of awareness , or preferences due to social and cultural beliefs ,” said Ms Arifin-Cabo .
Swee-Hoon Chuah , the director of the Tasmanian Behavioural Lab , said it was an honour to have the chance to work on this project with the UN Population Fund .
“ The level of maternal mortality in Timor Leste is unacceptably high . We look forward to providing research , technical guidance and training that will help to change lives through better health outcomes ,” Professor Chuah said .
The lab will supply experts to work with the Timor Leste Health Ministry and employ social and behavioural change strategies so that women of reproductive age are willing to come to health centres for family planning , and antenatal care and postnatal care .
Most importantly , the aim is to persuade mothers to use the skilled birth attendants who are available .
The Tasmanian Behavioural Lab was launched by the university earlier this year to provide behavioural science consultancy , research and training to business , non-profits and government . ■
Professor Swee-Hoon Chuah , director Tasmanian Behavioural Lab . Picture : Supplied
Approximately 52 per cent of women in the country are still excluded from these services due to lack of awareness , or preferences due to social and cultural beliefs .
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