Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste

Project overview

The Strengthening Social Inclusion and Nutrition in Timor-Leste Project is funded by European Union and seeks to improve nutrition and health for vulnerable pregnant and lactating women, children under five, and school-aged children in Timor-Leste by strengthening access to integrated nutrition, health, water, sanitation, and social protection services. It addresses key drivers of malnutrition—food insecurity, poor diets, inadequate health and hygiene, and limited social protection—through coordinated, community-based interventions.

The project is jointly implemented by WFP, UNICEF, and ILO. WFP will improve the quality of school meals by upgrading kitchen facilities and linking farmers to stable markets. UNICEF will enhance water and sanitation in schools and health facilities, build the skills of health workers and community groups, and strengthen nutrition and hygiene education. ILO will work to expand social protection coverage for informal workers and farmers, adapting schemes to local needs while increasing awareness at community level.

At the national level, the Project will build government capacity to deliver and monitor services effectively, strengthen policies, and promote inter-sectoral linkages between health, education, agriculture, and social protection. It aligns with national strategies and international commitments, leveraging the government’s strong focus on sustainable human development.

By reinforcing systems, infrastructure, and community engagement, the Project aims to deliver lasting improvements in nutrition, health, and resilience for Timor-Leste’s most vulnerable populations.

Key outcomes and outputs

Outcome 1: Improved nutritional and health outcomes for vulnerable children under five, school-aged children, pregnant and breastfeeding women through enhanced access to strengthened safety nets.

Output 1. Increased capacity of the Government at national and municipal level to manage, implement, deliver and monitor integrated nutrition and social protection schemes for vulnerable people.

Key stakeholders

• Government: Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion (MSSI), National Institute of Social Security (INSS), Municipalities
• Employers' organisations: Chamber of Commerce and Industry Timor-Leste (CCITL)
• Trade unions: Timor-Leste Trade Union Confederation (KSTL)
• Civil society organizations