The Executive Secretary of the National Commission For Combating HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste (KNKS-TL) Daniel Marçal said the Timor-Leste government decided to stop the promotion of condom use to the public because of the notion that it is not the most effective solution for HIV transmission prevention in the country, even though it will continue to promote condom use among at risk groups.
He added the national commission will keep using the ABC methodology for prevention with A for Abstinence, B for Be Faithful but C rather than for Condom to be replaced with Self-Control (ABC) because promoting Condom use will not educate the Timorese on how to change behaviour.
“Changed the method C from Condom to Self-Control because the country policy through the commission is to educate the people on how to change their behaviour and increase people’s awareness about the [HIV] virus,” said the General Secretary of KNKS-TL Marçal from his office, in Pantai Kelapa, Dili.
He also urged civil society groups working on HIV/AIDS prevention to remove condom promotion from public spaces including from banners and pamphlets so as to not confuse communities.
“Take down banners or pamphlets promoting condoms in public,” he urged.
He added though that condoms will not be ignored but rather than talking about them in public that they will be discussed at special events such as discussions with at risk groups (such as sex workers and their clients) but not with the general public.
Meanwhile the Baucau Diocese Bishop Dom Basilio do Nascimento said the Catholic Church does not agree with the policy of the Ministry of Health to promote condom use as an efficient measure to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Timor-Leste.
“Condoms are not the solution, rather socialization and information on sexual education is what is really important,” said Bishop Dom Basilio.
He added that using condoms will lead to increased free sex in the country.
“The Catholic Church is against. The Church maintains its position,” said Bishop Dom Basilio.
According to Member of Parliament MP Josefa Alvares Soares said that people cannot control themselves out of sexual activity, either married or young single people.
“I believe it is difficult for someone to control him/herself from sexual behaviour,” added. the PM.
She acknowledged the disconnect from the start between the Church and the State in regards to the use of condom in the prevention of HIV.
“The public prefers condom use, but the Church prefers self-control according to a calendar, although I think this [approach] will be difficult for the public to accept,” said also the PM.
