183rd IFRC Member

Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste is one of the youngest Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the world. At its General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea on November 11, 2005, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies formally declared CVTL as its 183rd member.

HIV/AIDS

With less than 0.5% of the population believed to be afflicted by the virus, HIV infection remains low in Timor-Leste. However, a combination of factors put the nation in a vulnerable position against the growing epidemic. There is a lack of skills and knowledge of preventative behaviours such as condom usage, while access to HIV testing and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) treatment is minimal. These circumstances are all compounded by Timor-Leste’s endemic poverty.

Since voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services commenced in five district hospitals in 2008, estimates of HIV prevalence have almost doubled. Recent figures released by the Ministry of Health showed that more than 130 cases of HIV had been detected to date (July 2009). Limited awareness of prevention methods and poor utilization of health care faculties determine that other STIs such as Syphilis, Herpes, Chlamydia and Hepatitis are also major concern for Timor-Leste.

As part of the National HIV/AIDS/STI Programme led by the Ministry of Health, prevention and social mobilisation programmes have increased dramatically since 2008. Aimed primarily at high-risk groups such as adolescents, clients of sex workers, mobile populations, female sex workers and homosexual men, the programme is already producing encouraging results. 

CVTL has played a major role in the National HIV/AIDS/STI Programme, mobilising both volunteers and professional outreach teams to conduct a variety of programmes aimed at increased community awareness of HIV and STIs as well as the promotion of safer sexual behaviours with individuals at risk. Ongoing activities include: 

  • Outreach programmes for clients of sex workers and mobile men in the border districts.
  • Drama troupes delivering key messages in the form of “edutainment” across all districts.
  • Information stalls in district markets on market days.
  • A series of radio PSA on stigma, discrimination and the promotion of health services.
  • Volunteer teams delivering messages on HIV and STI prevention and discrimination towards people living with HIV, to schools and villages across all districts.
  • Development of an enhanced referral system between CVTL targeted communities and VCT and STI treatment facilities.
  • Work with community leaders to advocate risk reduction within communities and those at high risk.
  • Development and distribution of visual aides and educational materials to help community understanding of HIV and related issues.
  • Establishment of Condom access points (dispensers) in all 13 Red Cross Branch offices.
  • Participation in the National AIDS Commission.

As CVTL’s HIV Programme continues to grow, we are adopting new strategies and expanding our team in order to keep up with developments of the epidemic in Timor-Leste. Through these efforts, CVTL stands as a model for efforts by both the government and other NGOs in combating HIV/AIDS.

CVTL's national HIV/AIDS project

HIV/AIDS project in Lautem District

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