Government plays down AIDS threat<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): An activist regretted on Monday the government's
\ntendency to play down the spread of HIV\/AIDS, saying it would
\nonly hamper the campaign to control the disease.<\/p>\n
\"Our government insists that our country has a low prevalence
\nof HIV\/AIDS while in fact the number of cases is increasing with
\ntime. Government officials are reluctant to admit that the
\ndisease is a threat to everyone,\" noted HIV\/AIDS campaigner Baby
\nJim Aditya said.<\/p>\n
World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that as of April
\nthere were 52,000 people infected with HIV in Indonesia. The
\nMinistry of Health, however, revealed that only 1,887 cases had
\nbeen recorded since the first case was discovered in 1987.<\/p>\n
Of the cases recorded in the country, 1,393 people were known
\nto be infected with HIV, while the remaining suffer full-blown
\nAIDS.<\/p>\n
\"From the small figure, however, we can see how fast the
\ndisease has spread, as in 1987 there were only six cases,\" Baby
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
There were only seven cases discovered in 1988, and within
\nfive years the number grew to 113. In 1999 there were 225 cases
\nreported.<\/p>\n
Baby said HIV\/AIDS did not only concern health or moral
\nissues, but also sexual attitudes and how people perceived the
\ndisease.<\/p>\n
\"The government persistently holds on to the country's image
\nas a home to decent people,\" she remarked.<\/p>\n
As part of her campaign and efforts to raise public awareness
\nabout HIV\/AIDS issues, Baby said she would hold a gathering in
\nJakarta and 71 other towns on May 20. The gatherings, to be
\nmarked with participants lighting candles, will be held
\nsimultaneously.<\/p>\n
The event in Jakarta, jointly organized with Avi productions,
\nwill take place in the front grounds of the National Museum on
\nJl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Featuring HIV\/AIDS campaigners Zubairi Djoerban and
\npsychologist Joyce Djaelani Gordon and some of the country's
\nrenowned musicians, the event is open to the public.<\/p>\n
\"We estimate around 500 people will light the candles, which
\nsymbolize the world's struggle against HIV\/AIDS,\" Baby said.<\/p>\n
The candlelight evening which usually takes place in the
\nsecond week of May is part of the global move to combat the
\ndisease. (emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/government-plays-down-aids-threat-1447893297",
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