DILI, 27 May 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Health Ministry recorded 93 new cases of HIV/AIDS in the first quarter of 2025, according to Bernardino da Cruz, Head of the National Unit for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and Communicable Diseases.
Since 2003, Timor-Leste has recorded 2,316 HIV cases, with 1,299 patients currently in treatment, including 49 children under 14. While 399 people have died from the disease.
“Some of the new HIV cases include children under five, and several adolescents were found to be unaware they were infected with the disease,” Cruz said in Dili.
He raised concern that many pregnant women refuse HIV testing, making it harder to prevent “mother-to-child transmission, childbirth, and breastfeeding.”
Da Cruz highlighted challenges in retaining patients in treatment. “Some people with HIV dropped out of care due to long distances to health facilities, poverty, stigma and fatigue of managing other illnesses.”
In response to the growing number of cases, the Ministry of Health has intensified public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting high-risk groups, to promote preventive measures and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
