Ainaro, July 25, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Institute for the Fight against HIV/AIDS (INSCIDA) carried out a five-day HIV/AIDS awareness campaign across five villages in the Maubisse Administrative Post, Ainaro Municipality.
According to the President of INSCIDA, Daniel Marçal, the five-day campaign in the five villages was noticeably different from previous efforts, as the communities now show a stronger willingness to participate in training and awareness activities related to HIV/AIDS.
“The five-day awareness sessions were conducted in the villages of Aituto, Fatubessi, Horai Kiik, Edi, and finally Maubisse town. Community participation was high, and people actively listened to information on HIV/AIDS transmission. This disease has no cure yet, and its long-term impact can be devastating. For now, the government continues to subsidize antiretroviral treatment, but the day may come when no subsidies are provided. If that happens and people cannot afford treatment, they will be left to suffer. Currently, over 2,300 cases of HIV/AIDS are registered with the Ministry of Health, and most transmissions are due to unprotected sexual relations. This highlights the urgency for Timor-Leste to address the issue of unregulated sexual activity,” said INSCIDA President Daniel Marçal during the session in Maubisse town.
Meanwhile, the local authority of Maubisse town, Wilson P. N. Mendonça, stated that the awareness program held that day in the village was highly important as it taught people how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS.
“This awareness campaign is extremely valuable for the community, especially the youth, to help prevent infection and promote better health. I encourage the community to seize this opportunity and participate fully in this seminar, to absorb the information shared by INSCIDA and use it to build a healthier future,” said Wilson P. N. Mendonça, Local Authority of Maubisse town.
He further emphasized that, together with the Village Council, they will work to disseminate this information to the wider community, including parents and youth, to help them understand the realities of HIV/AIDS and take preventive action, because this disease poses a serious threat to human life.
Report: Tomas
Photo: Tomas