Dili, November 05, 2026 [Média Democracia] – The National Institute to Combat HIV-AIDS (INCSIDA), together with national and international partners, continues to prepare activities to commemorate World Day against HIV/AIDS, which will be held in the border area of Timor-Leste and Indonesia, with an activity center in Bobonaro Municipality.
INCSIDA President Daniel Marçal, in an interview with Média Democracia, explained that the preparation for this activity involved coordination meetings with relevant partners from Timor-Leste and Indonesia, including local authorities, health institutions and community representatives from Atambua.
“This coordination meeting is important to see and ensure all technical aspects, including activity program, logistical support and participation of institutions, so that the activity can run smoothly and have a positive impact on the community in the border area. as well as strengthen relations of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia,” said INCSIDA President Daniel Marçal, in Pantai Kelapa.
He explained that in addition to the competition, the organizers will conduct free health consultations, HIV testing and awareness campaigns to the communities, with the support of the Bobonaro municipal health service, hospital, ambulance and relevant health entities.
While the preparation of logistics, transportation, tents and necessary equipment will be supported by the local authority of Bobonaro and partners involved in the preparation of the event.
“On the day of commemoration, the organizers will also hold music and animation concerts with the participation of bands and artists from Timor-Leste, to give opportunities to communities to participate in an educational and recreational environment,” he said.
Daniel Marçal said this activity is not only to commemorate the international day, but also to strengthen cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia in the prevention of HIV / AIDS, because this problem requires joint attention and responsibility from both countries.
“After the commemoration activity, INCSIDA will continue to work with partners from Indonesia to conduct education and awareness campaigns in the border area, from Suai to Kusinema, to provide information to the community on ways to prevent and control HIV transmission,” he said.
On the other hand, regarding the participation of the Indonesian community, Daniel Marçal explained INCSIDA will continue to coordinate with the border and immigration authorities, to facilitate the participation of citizens who want to participate in this activity, especially those who need travel documents.
“The main activity will be held for one day, but before that, for three or four days, an awareness campaign and health consultation will be held in the villages near the border,” he explained.
Daniel Marçal said, through this activity, INCSIDA wants to strengthen the educational message to all communities, so that people understand that HIV / AIDS prevention requires individual responsibility, family support and cooperation between institutions.
The ultimate objective of this activity is to strengthen solidarity and cross-border cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, to jointly fight against HIV/AIDS transmission and promote healthy communities in the border area.
Reporting : Tomás dos Santos
Photo: Pedrito dos Sa