On 7 October 2025, Mr. Perames Vudthitornetiraks, President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (Public Organization) (NEDA), welcomed a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led by Ms. Siriluck Chiangwong, Head of UNFPA Thailand Country Office, to discuss potential collaboration in promoting sexual and reproductive health for women and children. The discussion focused particularly on enhancing safe childbirth and midwifery services to reduce maternal and child mortality under South-South and Triangular Cooperation for NEDA’s neighbouring partner countries, where significant needs remain in strengthening public health systems, especially in sexual and reproductive health.
UNFPA Thailand expressed its readiness to support NEDA’s initiatives in Bhutan and Sri Lanka and will engage development partners in exploring opportunities for joint collaboration. In addition, UNFPA will facilitate coordination for the improvement of the community-based Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) centres in Timor-Leste, ensuring effective implementation and achievement of project objectives. The project builds on NEDA’s earlier assistance provided to the Government of Timor-Leste in August 2025.
