Dili, 05 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – The National Institute to Combat HIV-AIDS (INCSIDA) continues its socialization for the community in Balibo City, providing knowledge about the transformation of the HIV-AIDS virus and protecting oneself from free sex. The activity took place on Wednesday this week.
INCSIDA President Daniel Marçal thanks the Population of Balibo for their interest in listening and learning about the consequences and transmission of HIV-AIDS.
“First, we thank the people of Balibo for their enthusiasm, which we’ve seen today, because they’re really interested in listening and learning what HIV is, its consequences, how it’s transmitted. Today, we see our authorities are very cooperative, especially the municipal authorities, why do we have to travel around Timor-Leste? Because there’s no medicine to kill this virus in people’s bodies.” said INCSIDA President to journalists in Balibo-Vila on Tuesday (03/03/2025).
He said many young people these days are living at risk because they’re having relationships the wrong way.
“Secondly, our young people are living with a lot of risk because many like to have sexual relationships without knowing their partner’s history. When they’re in love, they live together without suspecting each other, maybe one has been with someone else who has HIV, and they don’t know because there’s no information. This is very dangerous.” He said.
He informed that, based on statistical data from the Ministry of Health, many young people of productive age are affected by the HIV-AIDS virus.
“Those most affected are productive ages 15 to 20, 25 years old, students, who are considered continuators, innovators, and the backbone of the nation, but they’re now heavily affected because they lack knowledge, their instincts, and social interactions are arbitrary, that’s why I say we have to make an effort and talk strongly to young people to save them from HIV-AIDS.” Daniel reported.
Daniel affirms, these days, the Timor-Leste Government has money to buy medicine to offer for free to society affected by the HIV-AIDS virus, but sometimes the money runs out, how with people affected by the virus.
“Now people drink medicine will be free, state and government is looking for money to buy medicine our people receive for free, one day the government does not have the money who is infected with HIV find their own money to buy medicine and buy medicine for HIV is not 1 month or 2 or 1 year, but buy economic consequences for personal death each to the house is very heavy.” He emphasized.
In the same place, Coordinator of the HIV-AIDS STI Program for Bobonaro Municipality, Sidónio Gonçalves, thanked INCSIDA for conducting sensitization in Balibo Administrative Post, as according to data, Bobonaro Municipality is in second place for HIV-AIDS, and Balibo Post is in second place for people affected by HIV-AIDS in Bobonaro Municipality.
“Thanks to INCSIDA for coming to sensitize and inform in Balibo Post, and we’ll be visiting villages in Balibo Post. I want to tell the public that Bobonaro Municipality is in second place for HIV, after Dili, followed by Bobonaro. Specifically, Balibo is in second place in Bobonaro Municipality with 25 registered cases, 4 have passed away, and 21 are currently undergoing treatment at Balibo Health Post and Maliana Referral Hospital.” said the Coordinator of the HIV-AIDS STI Program Bobonaro.
These communities aren’t aware they have HIV, some come with opportunistic diseases, meaning they come with other illnesses, and it’s only when they arrive at the Health Center that it’s detected. Some pregnant women are also affected.
“Like I said today that 21 are currently undergoing treatment, there are 4 who are missing from treatment but thank you to the partners who tracked down their whereabouts and brought them back to continue their treatment.” He informed.
As the HIV-AIDS coordinator in Bobonaro Municipality, he thanked the Balibo Village community for participating in the socialization, because the Bobonaro Municipal Health Service team doesn’t have enough resources to conduct socialization to the communities.
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Estefania