Manufahi, November 26, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The National Institute for Combating HIV/AIDS (INCSIDA), together with the Manufahi Municipal Health Services, continues providing training on HIV/AIDS prevention to communities in Letefoho Village, Same. This awareness activity was held at the Letefoho Village Office on Tuesday.
The President of INCSIDA, Daniel Marçal, stated that today’s session focused on raising awareness among the Letefoho community about HIV/AIDS, and that such activities have been conducted for several years.
“We can ensure good prevention when someone who tests positive for HIV takes their medication regularly, as this prevents transmission to others. It is difficult to control risky sexual behavior, but we continue emphasizing that active medication is essential to protect both the individual and others. Today’s awareness session aims to encourage blood testing at municipal, administrative post, and village levels across Timor-Leste,” said the President of INCSIDA, Daniel Marçal.
He added that activities like this often encourage many community members to undergo blood tests, which help identify new cases and allow the health sector to intervene early with treatment.
“If a pregnant woman does not visit a health post for blood testing for over a month, she should be encouraged to do so. When a pregnant woman tests positive, we can still save the baby. Many children have become victims because their mothers were not aware of the importance of getting tested before giving birth,” he explained.
The INCSIDA President further stated that the biggest challenge remains unprotected sexual activity, and therefore the government must establish strict regulations for places where such activities occur, in order to reduce HIV/AIDS cases nationwide, as most of the 2,400 cases registered come from sexual transmission.
Meanwhile, the Director of Manufahi Municipal Health Services, Victor Martins, said that today’s joint activity with INCSIDA aimed to share essential information with the Letefoho community to increase knowledge and prevention.
“We are taking this awareness into the villages because HIV/AIDS is a serious threat to human life. This virus used to be known as a disease that inevitably caused death, but today, with proper medication and treatment, it can be controlled,” said Victor Martins.
He added that the Ministry of Health’s strategy includes planning interventions, promotion, and treatment services, ensuring screening is conducted for all related activities.
“This virus is not new to us. In the past, we called it a deadly disease because it weakened the body until death. But now, we know which virus causes this disease, and there is medication called ARV that can significantly reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS. This treatment is supported by the Global Fund,” he said.
He stressed that anyone diagnosed with HIV should immediately begin treatment at a health post, allowing early identification and access to medication that can reduce the virus and eliminate its symptoms in the body.
A community representative from Letefoho, Octavio da Costa, expressed appreciation for INCSIDA and the Ministry of Health for bringing HIV/AIDS awareness to their village for the second time, allowing the community to better protect themselves.
“As young people, we feel proud that INCSIDA and Manufahi Health Services came to share this important information. It is a valuable opportunity for us in Letefoho,” said Octavio da Costa.
He added that although many young people live freely today, this opportunity helps them reflect and better understand how to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, contributing to the development of their community, especially in Letefoho.
INCSIDA, in coordination with the Manufahi Municipal Health Services and local authorities, continues carrying out HIV/AIDS awareness activities in Letefoho Village, reaching more than 200 participants.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano