In Timor-Leste, more mothers and babies are at risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth or in the first days of life than almost anywhere else in the Asia-Pacific.

Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), NGO CARE Australia is improving the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies and helping to build a more effective health system.

34-year-old Berta had given birth four times before the Safe Motherhood project began in her community — and throughout each pregnancy, Berta did not consider her diet or behaviour as important.

“Before CARE educated us through the project,” she says, “We just ate corn, rice and fruit … I was busy a lot of the time cleaning, sweeping, watering flowers, preparing breakfast and looking after my family.”

After becoming involved in Safe Motherhood, things changed: “This time, I was advised to eat lots of different vegetables and rest during the pregnancy to reduce the risk of the baby having problems.”

When it came time to give birth, Berta had a doctor present for the first time.

“I asked my husband to call the doctor. He walked up from the clinic to our house for the birth,” Berta recalls.

“The baby was healthy and now I'm feeding him rice, vegetables and eggs. I am still having health checks and the doctor advised me to go to family planning clinics.”

Berta also studied community gardening and loves working with her hands to grow fresh fruit and healthy vegetables to feed her children a nutritious diet.

“I am thankful to CARE, especially for education and health and for teaching us all the things that we didn't know before.”

Through the ANCP, CARE Australia can continue ensuring that mothers and babies in Timor-Leste have a healthy start to life.