Manufahi, November 25, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Institute for Combating HIV/AIDS (INCSIDA) carried out an information and awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS prevention for communities in Betano Village. The activity took place at the Betano Village office on Monday.
The National Director for Promotion, Prevention, and Communication at INCSIDA, Angelica Soares da Costa Oliveira, said that INCSIDA conducted the awareness program to share information about HIV/AIDS with the community in Betano.
“Our objective in conducting this socialization is to provide the Betano community with knowledge about the HIV/AIDS virus, how to prevent it, and the treatment process,” said Angelica Soares da Costa Oliveira, National Director for Promotion, Prevention, and Communication at INCSIDA.
She added that awareness programs are important, especially because many young people take risks and voluntarily undergo blood tests so they can know their status early and prevent HIV infection.
“One challenge we face is that many community members refuse to have their blood tested or even listen to information about HIV/AIDS. This is problematic because some people are already living with the virus, yet still hesitate to receive information or take tests to confirm their status,” she explained.
To address this issue, INCSIDA continues to conduct socialization activities in municipalities, administrative posts, and villages to provide training, visual education materials, and encourage people to seek treatment so they can live freely and normally like everyone else.
Meanwhile, Domingos Tavares, representative of the Municipal Health Program Department in Manufahi, stated that the joint session with INCSIDA aims to help the Betano community prevent HIV infection.
“This training informs us that in Manufahi Municipality, 42 people have been affected by HIV/AIDS. We continue to provide counseling and interventions to eliminate stigma and discrimination against patients,” said Domingos Tavares.
He added that although patients are undergoing treatment, 12 people have died because the virus progressed to AIDS, which is very difficult to treat. Meanwhile, 28 other patients are still receiving ongoing treatment.
A member of the Betano community, Alfredo da Silva, expressed pride and gratitude that the government, through INCSIDA, provided this important information in their village.
“This awareness session from INCSIDA makes us proud because it changes our mindset and gives us new knowledge. Until now, we only heard the name HIV/AIDS but did not truly understand what this disease was,” said Alfredo da Silva.
The community added that the information shared by INCSIDA confirms that HIV/AIDS still exists in Timor-Leste. Therefore, they request that the Ministry of Health, through INCSIDA, continue raising awareness throughout the country to minimize the spread of the virus.
INCSIDA continues to conduct HIV/AIDS sensitization programs in Betano, Same Administrative Post, Manufahi Municipality, with participation from local authorities and community members.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano