DILI, 30 november 2022 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta said the basics of HIV Prevention such as the use of condoms are important to prevent the risk of getting HIV/AIDS.
Horta made the comments for the celebration of World AIDS Day which will take place on december 1.
“It is important to use condoms to prevent this infectious disease because most cases in Timor-Leste happen due to the lack of practice of the basics of HIV prevention methods,” the Head of State told reporters in Dili.
Horta urged Timorese youth not to engage in any sexual activities which may pose a threat to their health: “In some African countries about 30% of the population living with HIV.”
“I call on the whole population to fight stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people,” Horta appealed.
According to the Ministry of Health, the country currently has a total of 1,776 people living with HIV/AIDS and has so far recorded 289 deaths.
This year’s theme for World AIDS Day is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.”
World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
Health authorities have decided to celebrate 2022 World AIDS Day in RAEOA as the region is located inside Indonesian territory.
The Ministry of Health had been organizing awareness campaigns among the communities in RAEOA to celebrate World AIDS Day.
Head of the Unit of HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis of the Ministry of Health, Bernardino da Cruz said it is important to sensitize communities on HIV/AIDS as it would help to increase their knowledge of basic HIV prevention methods including abstinence (not having sex), the use of condoms, and never sharing needles, etc.
Journalist: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Filomeno Martins/ Editor: Nelia Borges
