Dili, August 21, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Caicoli Village Community considers education and socialization about HIV-AIDS very important, especially for young people, to increase knowledge and awareness about prevention. This way, they can reduce the risk of unsafe sexual relations and behaviors that can increase HIV transmission.
According to Maria Rodrigues Perreira, the information provided by the National Institute for Combating HIV-AIDS (INCSIDA) to the community is very important, especially for people of reproductive age and those who are at the age to form a family, to understand how to take care of themselves and protect themselves from diseases that can be transmitted through unsafe sexual relations.
“They need to know that sexual freedom doesn’t mean having sexual relations with everyone, because behavior like that can bring risks to health and life. We have to know how to take care of ourselves. Both women and men need to have knowledge about this.” said Maria Rodrigues Perreira to journalists at the Caicoli Village Office, Wednesday (19/08).
She also urged young people to stay away from unsafe sexual relations, because such behavior can endanger their health, future, and life.
In the same place, the Head of Caicoli Village, Hipólitu Marques Ximenes, expressed his gratitude to the National Institute for Combating HIV-AIDS for coordinating and carrying out socialization activities in Caicoli Village, to share information with the community about HIV-AIDS virus prevention and transmission.
“Because in Timor-Leste HIV cases have exceeded 2,000, I myself asked INCSIDA to come and do socialization and awareness with the community, especially young people, because they are the future of the nation. All young women and men must stay away from HIV-AIDS. This disease has no cure, but there is treatment to control it and prevent the disease, so that people can continue to live.” said Hipólitu Marques Ximenes after giving remarks at the HIV-AIDS socialization activity at the Caicoli Village Office.
This local authority also asked the Caicoli community to strengthen prevention and stay away from the HIV-AIDS virus, because the virus can be transmitted from one person to another.
“Therefore, I ask young people once again, don’t have unsafe sexual relations. If we do that, we put our future at risk. Everyone must understand and take care of themselves to be able to build a good future.” he emphasized.
Reporting: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardos