AIDS, finding
\na scapegoat<\/p>\n
From Kompas<\/p>\n
Only myths and scapegoats were featured in a report published
\nby Kompas on Nov. 18 on HIV\/AIDS in Asmat. Thai fishermen used to
\nbe blamed for "carrying" HIV to Merauke but now the blame has
\nbeen placed on eaglewood merchants and sex workers.<\/p>\n
The report stated that HIV\/AIDS cases were first detected in
\nMerauke in 1992 along with the arrival of Thai fishermen and sex
\nworkers. Strangely, nobody seems interested in the fact that some
\nAsmat people left Asmat before 1992. Asmat sculptors, for
\nexample, went to Java to study and government officials often
\nleft Asmat.<\/p>\n
The report compiled by the health ministry's directorate
\ngeneral for the eradication of contagious diseases claims that up
\ntill March 31, 1995 there were three AIDS cases in Papua.
\nStatistically, the AIDS incubation period in Papua occurs between
\nfive and ten years. So, the three AIDS patients were first
\ninfected between 1985 and 1990.<\/p>\n
The report dismisses the possibility the HIV epidemic in Asmat
\nand Papua was caused by local people who could have caught the
\ndisease outside Asmat and then returned home. To be honest, it is
\npossible the sex workers were infected by the locals.<\/p>\n
The report mentions that 80 sex workers were tested but it
\nfails to say whether these sex workers were examined when they
\nfirst came to Asmat. It is possible they were infected in Asmat.<\/p>\n
A UNAIDS report shows that HIV\/AIDS cases are also found in
\nplaces where there are no bars, karaoke centers, cinemas or red-
\nlight areas. The cases in Asmat can therefore be associated with
\nan HIV\/AIDS case in a country fortifying itself with religion.
\nThe residents, it is found out, have been infected outside the
\nregion.<\/p>\n
The crux of the problem is why Asmat residents do not protect
\nthemselves against HIV\/AIDS. Actually, the spread of HIV can be
\nprevented easily. Even if eaglewood is exchanged for sex, HIV
\ninfection rates can be cut to zero percent if the exchange is
\nconducted safely.<\/p>\n
The title of the article is sensational: Merauke in the grip
\nof HIV\/AIDS monster). Even the sub-title is no less sensational:
\nYoungsters are targeted. Please bear in mind that there has never
\nbeen and will never be an HIV attack. People anywhere at any time
\ncan be infected by HIV if they carry out risky activities.<\/p>\n
There are about 40 million HIV\/AIDS cases the world over. HIV
\ninfection breaks through the administrative borders of cities,
\nregions and countries.<\/p>\n
SYAIFUL HARAHAP<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aids-finding-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }