UNICEF East Asia and Pacific’s Post

Across East Asia and the Pacific, 4 million children are fighting a battle most of the world doesn't see—against wasting, a severe form of malnutrition that leaves young bodies dangerously thin.    When 18-month-old Deomancio's mother left their village in Vemasse, Baucau Municipality, to find work in the capital, his grandfather stepped in to care for him. Within weeks, the toddler fell seriously ill. His tiny arms grew thinner, his energy faded, classic signs of severe malnutrition.    Through treatment at Baucau Hospital and ongoing support from Mother Support Group (MSG) members, his arm circumference grew from 11cm to 13cm, and his weight increased from 7kg to 9kg over six months. MSG puts solutions to child nutrition in the hands of communities themselves. Supported by UNICEF and the UK Government, more than 1,000 MSG volunteers across Baucau and Viqueque municipalities have been trained to screen children, counsel caregivers, promote healthy practices, and connect families to healthcare services when needed. In September, H.E. Dominic Jermey, British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, visited Baucau Municipality to see the programme in action. He met with mothers, children, health staff, and MSG volunteers who are delivering these services at the village level. As malnutrition rates climb in neighboring countries, Timor-Leste offers a blueprint: invest in communities, empower local voices, and the change can be profound. With continued support from partners like the UK Government, this community-centered model can scale, giving more children across the region a real chance to thrive.    Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office UNICEF Timor-Leste Rene Gerard Galera, Jr Alison Taylor Myo-Zin Nyunt June Kunugi