Dili, June 3, 2025 (Media Democracia) – The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), organized a workshop to address stigma as a major barrier to testing, treatment, and care for individuals living with TB and HIV. The event, held at Hotel Novo Turismo in Dili on Monday, highlighted how stigma fosters silence, delays diagnosis, and discourages people from seeking help, often eroding trust in the health system.
Dr. Arvind Mathur, WHO Representative, stated that stigma remains a significant obstacle to accessing treatment, not just due to the illnesses themselves but because of the fear of rejection and feelings of being treated differently.
“Recognizing this, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, has taken leadership in organizing this two-day national workshop focused on reducing stigma and discrimination in the care of TB and HIV. This initiative aims to strengthen the response to TB and HIV in Timor-Leste through stigma and discrimination reduction, led by the Global Coalition of TB Advocates (GCTA), and brings together program managers, healthcare workers, and key stakeholders across Timor-Leste,” said Dr. Arvind Mathur.
He added that participants would learn how to identify stigma, understand how it affects people accessing healthcare, and explore ways to reduce it in clinical settings, communities, and the broader health system.
Moreover, stigma often contributes to trauma, potentially leading to mental health issues and emotional distress that hinder recovery for affected individuals.
Also present at the event, the Director General for Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health, Elisabeth Leto Mau, emphasized the importance of healthcare workers reflecting on a critical question: Why do some patients stop seeking care? In Timor-Leste, many individuals with TB and HIV face judgment, not only from the community but also within the health system itself.
“Discrimination is severe, not just in communities, but also within the healthcare system. Lab personnel or others may disclose a patient’s condition, even though such information should be kept strictly confidential between the patient and their provider. When this happens, patients feel ashamed and begin to withdraw from treatment, creating a cycle where the illness continues to spread,” said Elisabeth Leto Mau.
She further urged healthcare workers to uphold confidentiality, noting that even health personnel sometimes engage in gossip when patients come for treatment at hospitals.
To effectively combat stigma, she explained, there needs to be understanding and action at all levels. “We all know that stigma exists, but now there are new tools to measure it. These help us develop better solutions. To eliminate stigma, we need clear plans, proper funding, and strong support from leaders and frontline workers.”
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: WHO Media