Funders:
  • Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) via Australian National University (ANU)
Collaborators:
  • Australian National University – lead organisation 
Aim: 

To understand the relationship between foodborne gastrointestinal infections in Timorese infants and subsequent malnutrition and stunting.

Summary: 

Malnutrition is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children under 5, causing half of all deaths in this age group. There is growing evidence of an association between childhood malnutrition and chronic exposure to infectious disease-causing enteric pathogens, such as entero-toxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Shigella species and Campylobacter.

The BEN study will collect samples from children and their environments including water, and companion animals as part of a One Health methodology. 

Expected outcomes:
  1. Nutrition, food safety in MoH and MAF will work collaboratively to reduce exposure to zoonotic pathogens.
  2. Nutrition (MoH), UNICEF, WHO and TOMAK will work to advise on issues of food safety and security impacting child malnutrition in Timor-Leste using evidence and information gained from the One Health research outcomes.
  3. Hospital laboratory will develop new capacity to conduct multiplex faecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The NTL will be able test food and waters for basic microbiological parameters indicating quality.
  4. Food safety department (MoH) will be able to use food testing as a baseline for contamination of foods and water in the home and community.
  5. Capacity building will be developed at the MoH Department of Surveillance enabling reporting all cases of enteric infection to improve national surveillance.
Chief Investigators:
Project Manager:
Project dates:

2023 - 2027