Dili, July 12, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Instituto Nacional Combate HIV-SIDA (INCSIDA), or the National Institute for Combating HIV/AIDS, conducted a community awareness campaign in Madohi Village, Dom Aleixo Administrative Post, Dili Municipality, under the theme: “Let Us Work Together to Protect Timor-Leste from the HIV Virus Transmission Problem.” The activity was held on Thursday this week.
President of INCSIDA, Daniel Marcal, stated that the awareness campaign was held due to the rising risky behaviors contributing to the transmission of HIV/AIDS, which makes it difficult for people to control the disease in the country, especially risky practices such as unprotected sex. These behaviors are hard to control and often stem from a lack of knowledge, which contributes to the alarming number of HIV cases in Dili over 1,600 cases have been recorded.
“Risky behaviors contributing to HIV/AIDS transmission have increased drastically, and it’s difficult for people to control these behaviors, particularly unprotected sex. It’s hard to manage, especially because people lack knowledge and this is very dangerous. We have seen that HIV cases in Dili alone have already reached more than 1,600, mostly affecting young men and women of productive age who are not well-informed about HIV/AIDS,” said Daniel Marcal.
He added that unprotected sex in Dili often occurs in places without clear identification or regulation, becoming hotspots for sex work. Because of this, the state must continue awareness efforts, even if the Prime Minister repeatedly urges the youth to protect themselves against HIV.
On the other hand, Madohi Village Chief Bernardino de C. Fereira expressed great appreciation for the HIV/AIDS awareness program, emphasizing its importance to the local community, especially in Madohi Village. He stressed that the program contributes to protecting people’s lives and health.
“As a local authority, I truly appreciate this awareness program, which is so important for our community. Through this initiative, we aim to protect lives and health. Whether people want it or not, this program must be used. We talk a lot about freedom, but freedom from AIDS cannot be achieved without action. How can we free people from HIV/AIDS without fighting it?” said Chief Bernardino de C. Fereira.
He recommended that relevant institutions, particularly the Ministry of Health, act with a spirit of nationalism to implement special programs such as health campaigns and educational outreach. Those who wish to free citizens from various viruses must develop targeted and objective programs so that all people can be protected from HIV/AIDS across the country.
He further explained that this HIV/AIDS awareness activity aimed to help prevent the spread of the virus and was attended by the Interim President of the Dili Municipal Authority as well as community members and youth from Madohi.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo by: Nelfiano