The challenges facing people living with HIV in Timor-Leste
Despite the progress that has been made in reducing the risk and impact of HIV Timor Leste since the introduction of the Timor Leste National HIV and STI Strategy 2011-2016, significant challenges remain. It is the experience of Estrela+ that knowledge about HIV and awareness of the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Timor-Leste remains low among PLHIV, their families and communities as well as the general public. As a result, as documented by Estrela+, PLHIV continue to experience high levels of stigma and discrimination both in community and health care settings. Other challenges documented by Estrela+ include low levels of ART adherence and difficulties faced by PLHIV in accessing care and support services.
The advocacy work that Estrela+ does complements the prevention, treatment and care and support activities undertaken by partner organisations including MoH, NAC, CCM, FTH, CVTL, Scarlet Timor Collective, faith based organizations, UN agencies, Bairro Pite Clinic, National Hospital, Madre SSPS Becora, Caritas Dili, CWS, Timor Aid and Esperanca.
The advocacy work that Estrela+ does complements the prevention, treatment and care and support activities undertaken by partner organisations including MoH, NAC, CCM, FTH, CVTL, Scarlet Timor Collective, faith based organizations, UN agencies, Bairro Pite Clinic, National Hospital, Madre SSPS Becora, Caritas Dili, CWS, Timor Aid and Esperanca.
Current Projects
‘Strengthening PLHIV Networks in Timor-Leste’ under GFATM Grant to Timor-Leste Round 10 Phase 2
Following Estrela+’ success as a Sub-Sub-Recipient under FTH (Fundasaun Timor Hari’i) in Round 10 Phase 1 of the Global Fund to end AIDS, Malaria and Tubeculosis (Global Fund) Grant to Timor-Leste in 2012-2013, Estrela+ became a Sub-Recipient under Phase 2 for the period 2014-2016.
Under the Program ‘Strengthening PLHIV networks in Timor-Leste’, Estrela+ will undertake an extensive schedule of activities over the next three years that are aimed at strengthening the PLHIV network in Timor-Leste. Some of these activities will include:
PLHIV capacity-building and institutional strengthening funded by the APN+ Positive Capacity Building Initiative
Estrela+ has received support from APN+ since it began in 2009 and currently receives funding from APN+ to undertake various activities aimed at building the capacity of Estrela+ and members of the HIV positive community in Timor-Leste.
In 2013-2014, APN+ supported Estrela+ to undertake visits to the districts to undertake monitoring of the situation of PLHIV living there, hold its inaugural AGM and SGM, undertake training on the development of IEC materials, participate in a study comparative to Kupang Indonesia to learn from, share experiences and build networks with Indonesian PLHIV advocates and for Estrela+ to undertake courses in English, MYOB and administration.
Estrela+ was also supported by APN+ through the Women of APN+ (WAPN+) in 2013 to deliver sexual and reproductive health rights training to HIV positive women.
Other Projects
In May 2014, Estrela+ also received support from Marie Stopes International Timor-Leste to undertake training on Family Planning for members of the HIV positive community.
Following Estrela+’ success as a Sub-Sub-Recipient under FTH (Fundasaun Timor Hari’i) in Round 10 Phase 1 of the Global Fund to end AIDS, Malaria and Tubeculosis (Global Fund) Grant to Timor-Leste in 2012-2013, Estrela+ became a Sub-Recipient under Phase 2 for the period 2014-2016.
Under the Program ‘Strengthening PLHIV networks in Timor-Leste’, Estrela+ will undertake an extensive schedule of activities over the next three years that are aimed at strengthening the PLHIV network in Timor-Leste. Some of these activities will include:
- delivering capacity-building trainings to PLHIV on a diverse range of issues including sexual and reproductive health, advocacy and ART adherence
- organising events for the PLHIV community on World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day and Candle Light Memorial
- establishing Estrela+ peer support groups in the high-prevalence districts of Suai, Maliana and Baucau to ensure that PLHIV in these districts are able to access timely local support and to improve the flow of information back to Estrela+ central office in Dili
- conducting regular stakeholder meetings to encourage information sharing and collaboration between organisations involved in the HIV sector
- delivering training to journalists to build their capacity to report responsibly on HIV and related issues
- holding film dialogues in communities throughout Timor-Leste to build knowledge and awareness and encourage discussion about HIV and the rights of PLHIV
- providing training on non-discriminatory workplace policies that promote the employment of PLHIV in partnership with SEFOPE and the NGO Forum
PLHIV capacity-building and institutional strengthening funded by the APN+ Positive Capacity Building Initiative
Estrela+ has received support from APN+ since it began in 2009 and currently receives funding from APN+ to undertake various activities aimed at building the capacity of Estrela+ and members of the HIV positive community in Timor-Leste.
In 2013-2014, APN+ supported Estrela+ to undertake visits to the districts to undertake monitoring of the situation of PLHIV living there, hold its inaugural AGM and SGM, undertake training on the development of IEC materials, participate in a study comparative to Kupang Indonesia to learn from, share experiences and build networks with Indonesian PLHIV advocates and for Estrela+ to undertake courses in English, MYOB and administration.
Estrela+ was also supported by APN+ through the Women of APN+ (WAPN+) in 2013 to deliver sexual and reproductive health rights training to HIV positive women.
Other Projects
In May 2014, Estrela+ also received support from Marie Stopes International Timor-Leste to undertake training on Family Planning for members of the HIV positive community.
