The overall picture of HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste suggests that the HIV epidemic may be evolving from low level towards higher HIV prevalence in certain districts and amongst specific high-risk subgroups.
In collaboration with the MoH and the Global Fund, CVTL implemented awareness-raising campaigns across eight districts, reaching almost 73,000 individuals. Involving group discussions and role-plays, the campaign sought to facilitate debate and reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, as well as the distribution of printed materials and condoms to raise awareness on the prevention of HIV/AIDs as well as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The outreach service provided referral support to attend Voluntary Confidential Counseling and Testing (VCCT) at sexual health clinics to more than 11,000 at-risk individuals as well as encouraging community groups to self-refer to these clinics. Staff and outreach volunteers are trained in both technical aspects of STIs and communication techniques to ensure beneficiary groups were given accurate information and could feel comfortable discussing sexual and risk-taking behaviour.
