AIDS in East Timor: An Opportunity for Prevention

According to Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, the new East Timor government is aware of some of the factors that influence the spread of HIV/AIDS; poverty, population mobility, illiteracy and lack of knowledge of the virus. To assist in the formulation of a national response, they have set up a National Working Group, which is a multi-sectorial group representing East Timorese, NGOs, women's organisations, church groups, youth organisations, professional organisations and government. One of their co-chairs, Mrs Isobel Exposto, noted that in the six short months since the inception of the NWG, its members have met regularly, attended training in community-based HIV responses, had input into regional meetings, and commenced awareness raising workshops in the districts. This is in addition to commencing the process of community advocacy with the government and church. Mrs Gloria de Castro Hall, member of the National Working Group indicated that they are investigating lessons learned from around the world and particularly the Asia Pacific region in order to frame their response. East Timor's exposure to International populations increases the risk could lead to multi clade infections within the population and to multi recombinant HIV strains arising. Mrs Rosa Valente (Project Officer, UNDP) spoke of soldiers getting pre departure briefings and then information kits but indicated that there were questions around availability of condoms and promotion of their use. She further questioned how often service individuals and other members of the international community able to get check ups and treatment for STIs or given training and awareness updates. Whilst the challenges faced by this country are enormous the commitment, pragmatism and vision of the delegation left audience members with a feeling of hope that this country will indeed seize the opportunity for prevention.