'HIV\/AIDS awareness campaign needed'<\/p>\n
With HIV\/AIDS emerging as an increasing threat, many still treat
\nit as a personal problem, without realizing that the virus can
\ninfect anybody, whether they are living a lifestyle that exposes
\nthem to the infection or not. The lack of awareness causes the
\nstigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV\/AIDS.
\nThe Jakarta Post talked to several people about the issue.<\/p>\n
Annie, 29, works at the Australian Embassy, South Jakarta. She
\nlives with her parents in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Although I'm not an expert on HIV\/AIDS, I have more than basic
\nknowledge about the virus. I know that it can be transmitted
\nthrough sexual intercourse, blood transfusions or the use of
\ncontaminated syringes.<\/p>\n
This knowledge is sufficient to prevent me from discriminating
\nagainst people living with HIV\/AIDS. I can get along with them
\nbecause people cannot easily be infected by the virus.<\/p>\n
What is needed to raise people's awareness on HIV\/AIDS is to
\nhold a campaign that involves religious leaders because, so far,
\nthe public have a perception that any campaign for the wider use
\nof condoms is simply trying to justify extramarital sex.<\/p>\n
Sinta, 23, works as a media relations officer at the General
\nElections Commission in Central Jakarta. She lives in a rented
\nhouse in Pulo Mas, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I know that AIDS is a lethal condition that occurs after
\nsomeone has become infected with HIV. It takes several years
\nbefore a person living with the virus can lose their immunity.<\/p>\n
I know that the virus is transferred mainly through sexual
\nintercourse and blood transfusions, but in this country most
\nHIV\/AIDS cases are related to the sharing of needles.<\/p>\n
If someone I knew got HIV\/AIDS, I would remain their friend.
\nHowever, I would, of course, keep my distance if they started to
\nbleed, got wounded or something like that. I wouldn't want to get
\ninfected, right?<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/hivaids-awareness-campaign-needed-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }