Wrong message about HIV\/AIDS<\/p>\n
On Aug. 25, Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia (TPI) aired the
\nprogram Tele Tawa, a comedy featuring the Srimulat group. It was
\nabout wedding plans that nearly went wrong because the
\nprospective bridegroom was thought to be a Human Immunodeficiency
\nVirus (HIV) carrier.<\/p>\n
The program was meant to entertain viewers but it contained
\nseveral scenes that caused concern.<\/p>\n
The family of the prospective bride went into a panic, fearing
\nit could be a contagion. They had no idea of the difference
\nbetween HIV and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).<\/p>\n
The doctor called in had no knowledge of HIV and AIDS. He did
\nnot want to come into contact with the prospective bridegroom and
\neven supported the idea of prohibiting the suspect from taking
\npart in cooking activities. The doctor, aided by the father of
\nthe prospective bride, took blood from the prospective
\nbridegroom, against the latter's will, for laboratory test
\npurposes.<\/p>\n
The blood test proved that the man was not HIV-positive. He
\nwas, instead, the victim of slander by a broken-hearted person.
\nEverybody was relieved.<\/p>\n
Srimulat is a theater group that is well known and popular.
\nWhat they convey to the community speaks to many people. However,
\nthere is an apparent lack of sensitivity on the part of Srimulat
\nand TPI with regard to HIV and AIDS and the impact of such a
\nprogram.<\/p>\n
Currently community organizations and the government are
\nmaking efforts to impart the right information on HIV and AIDS to
\nthe community. The information includes explanations on how HIV
\ncan be contracted, in what way it is not infectious, ethics about
\nHIV tests, counseling for test results, how to help HIV-positive
\npeople and how to care for those with AIDS.<\/p>\n
Viewing HIV and AIDS in a non-objective way, with incomplete
\ninformation, will give rise to unreasonable fear. This will
\nhamper efforts to spread the right information and will encourage
\ndiscrimination.<\/p>\n
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. It does
\nnot assail a person's dignity. Precautionary measures can be
\ntaken if the method of contagion is known.<\/p>\n
HIV lives in the blood, sperm and vaginal fluid. It is
\ninfectious through unprotected sexual intercourse, blood
\ntransfusion, HIV-infected needles and it can be passed by an
\ninfected pregnant woman to her baby.<\/p>\n
The virus is not contagious through everyday social contact
\nsuch as handshakes, hugging, eating and drinking together and the
\nuse of common facilities (toilets, swimming pools, transportation
\nvehicles etc.)<\/p>\n
In the case of an HIV-positive person, we can say that their
\nquality of life can be maintained.<\/p>\n
Srimulat and TPI please help us inform our community so that
\npeople can face HIV and AIDS with an open mind. Do not foster
\nrejection and fear.<\/p>\n
For further information on HIV and AIDS, the address to
\ncontact is Yayasan Mitra Indonesia and the telephone numbers are:
\n310-0855 and 392-1608; Pokdisus AIDS FKUI\/RSCM, 390-3838 (24
\nhours) and 390-5250 (office hours); and Yayasan Pelita Ilmu, 835-
\n4691 and 829-5663.<\/p>\n
SUZANA MURNI<\/p>\n
BABY JIM ADITYA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/wrong-message-about-hivaids-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }