Ainaro, July 22, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The community leadership of Fatubessi Village, Maubisse Administrative Post, Ainaro Municipality, has expressed appreciation for the National Institute for the Fight Against HIV/AIDS (INSCIDA) for sharing vital information in remote areas.
According to Bonifacio Pereira Mendonça, the local authority of Fatubessi Village, he feels deeply proud because the information provided is essential for communities in remote areas, where access to information about HIV/AIDS remains limited.
“This information is extremely important, especially regarding HIV/AIDS, as the number of cases continues to rise in Timor-Leste. Through INSCIDA’s awareness campaign, we’ve learned that over 1,020 people across the country have already been affected by this serious illness,” said Bonifacio Pereira Mendonça.
In addition, Helder de Orleans Soares, representative of the Maubisse Administrative Post Administrator, stated that until now, most people in remote areas could only follow prevention advice through social media. He expressed great appreciation for INSCIDA’s direct outreach to these communities.
“We ask the community members who participated in this INSCIDA program to share the information with others who could not attend today. We also thank the community, youth, and local authorities who took part in this important awareness event,” said Helder de Orleans Soares.
He urged young people for both women and men to take care of themselves in order to maintain their health, emphasizing the message that “health is in our own hands.” He noted that youth must take the lead in national development by protecting themselves from risks such as drugs and HIV/AIDS, so they can compete for careers, including in the National Police (PNTL).
He added that as a community leader, he is very pleased that such vital information was shared in the village. All information received will continue to be passed on to the wider community, including parents and youth who were unable to attend the training session.
Reporter: Tomas
Photo: Tomas