United in commemorating World Aids Day

05 Dec United in commemorating World Aids Day

On December 4, 2018, the Order of Malta Clinic joined the commemoration of World Aids Day, with the theme: “Favor buka hatene ita nia status HIV agora” (Know your HIV status now). Organized by CNCS-Timor Leste, the half-day gathering was held at the football field in the community of Becora, Dili.

Various activities were lined up for this occasion, such as tug-o-war, climbing of the greased bettle nut (sae bua) to get the prizes, participated by adults and children from the different communities around Dili. A free concert by various local bands was organized as well to cap the event.

Other organisations who joined the event were Maluk Timor who supported the activity with banners, HIV health educational materials and counselling, UNFPA who distributed pamphlets and handouts on HIV-AIDS, and Marie-Stoppes International who conducted on-site HIV Testing.

The Order of Malta Clinic for its part conducted a screening program for Hypertension, Diabetes, and Malnutrition. We were able to attend to 45 adults and 8 children in just two hours of service. The team was able to screen 19 adults with Hypertension and 1 adult with high blood sugar. Thankfully, no child was found to be malnourished. Timor Plaza, thru Mr. Rozi, Marketing Manager, assisted SMOM Clinic by providing tents for the activity.

As a first time participant for the World Aids Day Celebration, the Order of Malta Clinic Team was joyful to serve the community of Becora despite the excruciating heat of the sun, and was truly grateful for this unique experience!