Image: Rachel Smith at work in Timor-Leste
Current estimates have Timor-Leste maternal mortality rate at 215 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the highest in the Asia Pacific Region. The World Health Organization’s recent framework for action highlights the fact that quality midwifery education and care could avert 80% of maternal deaths.
With this in mind, Burnet Institute has joined with UNFPA Asia Pacific to undertake a project aimed at strengthening midwifery education in Timor-Leste.
Led by Professor Caroline Homer AO and supported by Burnet midwife and education specialist Rachel Smith, the project involves reviewing the three pre-service midwifery curricula offered in Timor-Leste, and developing recommendations to ensure curricula is nationally congruent and meets international standards for midwifery education and competent practice.
Timeline