Dili, 03 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – Bobonaro Municipality HIV-AIDS STI Program Coordinator, Sidónio Gonçalves, stated that from 2008 to 2026, Bobonaro Municipality registered 130 HIV-AIDS cases, withh 54 people dying and 16 fleeing from treatment.
The HIV-AIDS STI program Coordinator added that, out of the 130 cases, 60 are currently undergoing tratment. 54 couldn’t undergo treatment, meaning some have die, and 16 have fled from treatment. That’s why we’re urging communities, especially young people to protect themselves and prevent HIV-AIDS.
The coordinator informs that in Bobonaro Municipality, Balibo Administrative Post is the second highest in terms of people affected by HIV, with a total of 25 people.
“Today, I’ve explained that globally in Timor, Bobonaro Municipality, Balibo is the second highest. Like I said, the data registered at Bobonaro Municipality Health Service, Balibo Post is 25, 21 are currently undergoing treatment, and 4 have passed away.” Informed the HIV-AIDS Program Coordinator in an interview with Média Democracia journalist during the HIV-AIDS Virus Transmission Sensitization in Sanirin Village this Monday (02/02/2026)
The Program Coordinator thanked INCSIDA for their Precense at Balibo Administrative Post to sensitize the communities, hopping this program can reach all villages covered by Balibo Post.
“Together with INCSIDA, we’re sharing information with communities on how to prevent and protect themselves form HIV-AIDS in Bobonaro Municipality, we’ve detected 16 people affected by HIV-AIDS, so we urge communities to avoid free sex,” Said Sidónio Gonçalves HIV-AIDS STI Program Coordinator for Bobonaro Municipality
Sidónio emphasized that it’s the Ministry of Health’s duty to sensitize and share information with communities, especially in Bobonaro Municipality, because Bobonaro Municipality is close to the border with Indonesia.
“We all know HIV-AIDS cases are rising in Atambua, so we don’t know if people entering illegally are contaminated ot not, but it’s the Ministry of Health’s duty to keep sharing information with communities to prevent HIV from spreading futher in Bobonaro Municipality.” Underlined the HIV-AIDS STI Program Coordinator for Bobonaro Municipality
He also sent a message to young people and community to prevent early rether than seeking a cure, urging to everyone to visit their nearest health facility for a blood test to know their HIV status. He informed the community that the Ministry of Health is ready to serve them at health centers during working hours.
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Estefania