Timor-Leste, 10 September 2008 - Under its programme of support to the Ministry of Health of Timor Leste, this Thursday at the Salaun Enkontro of the Hospital Nasional Guido Valadares, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will hand over to the Maternity Department two ultrasound machines as well as specialized instruments and supplies for fistula surgery.

The ultrasound machines were sent by the UNFPA to be repaired in the Netherlands in December 2007.

Additional tools were added to the machines to allow Doctors at the National Hospital to do better diagnosis and above all to provide better gynecological, maternal and neonatal healthcare, for ensuring safer pregnancies, healthier mothers and healthier babies.
The instruments and supplies donated for the treatment of obstetric fistula are provided within the framework of the Global Campaign to End Obstetric Fistula, one of the complications of delivering children without adequate health assistance.
This equipment will facilitate the reconstructive surgery to give a second chance in life to the women suffering of this complication in Timor Leste. During the last two years, 15 women have been successfully operated of fistula country wide.
For more information, contact Mariano Redondo Jr. on +670 734 6517.