Timor-Leste and UN launch radio soap opera on reproductive health

A new radio soap opera featuring the forbidden love story of a young Timorese couple is the latest initiative by the Government and the United Nations to raise awareness about reproductive health issues.

Launched last week by the Ministry of Health and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the series – Domin Familia – spotlights a typical Timorese family, the Amarals, as they deal with various subjects such as family planning and safe motherhood.

“This initiative is one of the activities where the Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of creating culturally-sensitive and rights-based materials addressed to the people of Timor-Leste,” said the Minister of Health Dr. Nelson Martins.

The soap, which airs on Saturday evenings on Radio Timor-Leste (RTL), features a forbidden love story between Lena Amaral, the youngest of her family, and Julio, the son of a cock-fighter. Adding to the drama is the fact that Lena’s older brother, Octavio, is against the young couple.

The 24-episode series is written and performed by local theatre group Bibi Bulak.

“It aims to address reproductive health issues in an entertaining way, ensuring that the audience has access to relevant information intended to increase awareness,” according to a news release issued by the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).