DILI, 27 october 2021 ( TATOLI) – United Nation Population Fund ( UNFPA) and National Police of Timor- Leste ( PNTL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to socialize the risk of HIV to the entire PNTL members in 13 municipalities.
The Representative of UNFPA in Timor – Leste Ronny Lindstrom informed, today marks a renewal of this relationship and also a renewal of UNDP’s commitment to work side by side with the PNTL.
“PNTL is one of the longest-standing partners of UNFPA in Timor – Leste, comprising almost all areas. of our mandate, from gender to family planning and in HIV and Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) prevention, “The Representative of UNFPA in Timor – Leste Ronny Lindstrom told the reporters at the Timor-Plaza, Dili today.
The signing of MoU and the Implementing Partner Agreement will allow for a closed and more sustainable working relationship, and also for PNTL to more autonomously and directly lead program implementation.
“I would like to take a moment here to thank the General Commander of PNTL Commissary Faustino da Costa and his team as well as the Cabinet of the Minister Interior for trusting us and recognizing the importance of our work and our mandate in Timor – Leste,” said Lindstrom.
Lindsrome reconfirmed that the few studies done in Timor – Leste continue to show that Uniformed Personnel has a high prevalence of STIs and HIV when compared to the general population, and personnel stationed at border districts continue to prevent higher rates of infection.
There are also very low condom use and low HIV testing rates.
“Our goal is then to increase comprehensive knowledge on HIV Prevention, increase the demand for HIV testing and ensure PNTL and their peers reduce risky behaviors and protect themselves and their partners from STLs and HIV, therefore UNFPA hopes that the peer educators and the PNTL commander from municipalities will discuss and develop a proposal for a work plan for 2022,” he said.
At the same place PNTL Commander Commissary, Faustino da Costa said the working cooperation between PNTL and UNFPA in the area of health has been active for 10 years.
” UNFPA had supported many facilities of HIV to the PNTL ‘ s Clinic during this time, we have worked together to socialize the risk of HIV to our members in 13 municipalities in across the Timor- Leste, ” said PNTL Commander Faustino da Costa.
da Costa added that the ties cooperation between UNFPA in the future must be strengthened and PNTL will continue to socialize the risk of HIV PNTL members adding that many PNTL were affected by the disease.
“On behalf of PNTL, I thanked the UNFPA which always facilitates PNTL’s s Health Clinic and together to socialize the risk of HIV to the PNTL members across the Timor Leste.”
Journalist : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B.
