On September 16, 2026, in Quelicai city, the province of Baucau in Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a delegation from the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), led by Vice President Mr. Kirati Veruwan, together with Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador in Dili, and Ms. Navchaa Suren, UNFPA Representative in Timor-Leste, inspected progress on construction of a Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC). The project is supported by NEDA to improve the health center's capacity to provide effective midwifery and childbirth services to people in the area.
The Quelicai facility is being constructed to replace the former building damaged by fire. The site inspection found that construction was more than 60 percent complete. Engineers inspected the project and confirmed that the building structure complied with the specified scope of work and met required quality and construction standards. The project is currently in the finishing stage, alongside installation of a solar-power system and necessary medical equipment. Preparations are also underway to provide medical supplies and one ambulance and to organize training courses for local medical personnel.
Construction is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2026, with the facility scheduled to officially open in early 2027. Representatives of the Baucau province, government agencies, relevant local authorities and staff of the Quelicai maternal and child health center welcomed the delegation and exchanged information on project implementation and preparations for opening the center so it can effectively provide maternal and child health services to the local population.
