Ainaro, July 23, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Representative of the Administrator of Maubisse Sub-Administrative Post in Ainaro Municipality has urged young people to protect themselves from the dangers of HIV-AIDS, a disease considered life-threatening.
According to the Representative, Helder de Orleans Soares, he called on students and youth to actively participate in a training program to gain accurate information about HIV-AIDS.
“I urge students and young people to participate actively in the training sessions to listen to information from the National Institute to Combat HIV-AIDS (INSCIDA) and the health sector. These entities continue to raise awareness and share information with communities so that individuals can protect themselves from HIV-AIDS, a disease primarily transmitted through sexual relations. Current data shows that Ainaro has recorded 39 HIV-AIDS cases,” said Helder de Orleans in Horai Kiik village.
He emphasized that through training and awareness programs, young people’s knowledge can be enhanced, helping them avoid dangerous diseases. He further urged youth to be cautious, as they represent the nation’s future.
In addition, local authority representative Marcelino da Conceição Pires expressed his satisfaction with INSCIDA’s efforts to carry out socialization programs in Horai Kiik village.
“As a local authority, I am very pleased that relevant institutions such as INSCIDA came to our village to share vital information on HIV-AIDS. Nowadays, everyone is concerned about this disease. For community members who were not able to attend this activity, we will continue to disseminate the information, especially to the younger generation, so they understand how HIV-AIDS is transmitted,” said Marcelino da Conceição Pires.
He continued encouraging youth to participate actively in these sessions to receive important knowledge and avoid contracting such a deadly disease.
According to the President of INSCIDA, HIV-AIDS continues to be a major challenge for national development as it seriously threatens people’s lives.
“HIV-AIDS is a major threat to life. In Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Health has recorded 230 cases, most of which were transmitted through sexual contact. This number may be even higher, given the hidden transmission through blood. That’s why community sensitization and blood testing are essential, as the majority of HIV cases are still undetected, while actual AIDS cases remain relatively few. We must work hard to educate society on how to prevent this disease,” said INSCIDA President Daniel Marçal during the event in Horai Kiik, Maubisse Sub-Administrative Post.
He further explained that the awareness campaign in Ainaro Municipality was initiated due to the identification of 39 HIV-AIDS cases. He clarified that the real number may be much higher because the disease is blood-transmitted and often unreported.
Report: Tomas
Photo: Tomas