DILI, 05 june 2021 (TATOLI)-Since 2003-2021, one thousand three hundred seventy four (1.374) Timorese people have been infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), revealed HIV/AID Executive Secretary, Atanasio de Jesus.
He said, HIV/AIDs disease is very dangerous to kill people. “The number of HIV/AIDS infections that have been registered with the National Combat HIV/AIDS Commission from 2003 – 2021 has reached 1.374. From 1374, 155 have died and 626 are still in the treatment phase,” said Atanasio at the Praia dos Coqueiros office of HIV/AIDS to Journalist of TATOLI News Agency on monday.
He explained that HIV/AIDS is mostly found in border areas such as Municipal Suai, Maliana and Oe-cusse and the most is Dili as the state capital.
Atanasio added that the National Commission had taken all effort to conduct socialization by distributing brochures, and conducting outreach in high schools and universities, but this case remains high in Timor-Leste.
“We have made prevention efforts through socialization to explain the risk of the disease, however, HIV/AIDS is still high, therefore if you want to live long it depends on the awareness of each person,” he said.
HIV means (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the immune system, by infecting and destroying cells. The more cells that are destroyed, the weaker the immune system will be, making it vulnerable to various diseases.
HIV infection that is not treated immediately will develop into a serious condition called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the body’s ability to fight infection is completely lost.
Until now there is no drug to treat HIV and AIDS. However, there are drugs to slow the progression of the disease, and can increase the life expectancy of people living with HIV.
HIV type
The HIV virus is divided into 2 main types, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2. Each type is further divided into several subtypes. In many cases, HIV infection is caused by HIV-1, 90% of which are HIV-1 subtype M. While HIV-2 is known to affect only a small number of individuals, mainly in West Africa.
HIV infection can be caused by more than one subtype of the virus, especially if a person is infected with more than 1 person.
This condition is called superinfection. Although this condition only occurs in less than 4% of people with HIV, the risk of superinfection is quite high in the first three years after infection.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafy Belo
