President of the Republic of  Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta received Dr. Aleksandar (Sasha) Bodiroza, UNFPA Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific, for a courtesy meeting at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on May 28, 2026. 

The discussion focused on the long-standing partnership between Timor-Leste and the UNFPA, highlighting the core priorities of the current country program and strategic plans for future cooperation in advancing the nation’s development.

A major highlight of the meeting was the shared commitment to reducing maternal mortality in Timor-Leste. Dr. Bodiroza praised the ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health, expressing strong confidence that the country is on the right path to significantly lowering mortality rates. Updated figures are expected to show a positive trend compared to the 2016 data, which recorded 195 deaths per 100,000 live births.

The leaders also discussed the vital role of population data, following the successful 2022 Census and the recent Demographic Health Survey (DHS). Preliminary results from the DHS are scheduled for release in June 2026, with the final report expected in October. This updated data will serve as a crucial tool for the Government to refine its health policies and ensure better services for women and children across the country.