Between January to June this year, 15 pregnant Timorese women have tested positive to HIV virus, Bernardino da Crus the Head of Timor-Leste’s HIV/Aids Program at Ministry of Health told the Independente.

HIV can progress to AIDS if left untreated.

"During six months we have registered 15 pregnant mothers positive HIV/AIDS where the mentioned number were identified by professional Health Staff at health facilities in health administrative posts across the country,” said Cruz.

While less than 0.2 percent of Timor-Leste’ adult population is reported HIV-positive, the number of confirmed infections has increased since the virus was first detected in 2001.

According to available data, some 1500 people receive treatment for HIV/AIDs in Timor-Leste.

In remote areas, access to HIV prevention programs is limited.

Daniel Marchal, the President of Timor-Leste’s HIV/AIDs program, said prevention education must be prioritised across Timor-Leste so people are aware of how transmission takes place.