12 Papuan babies test HIV positive

JAYAPURA, Papua: A senior government official revealed on Friday a recent finding that 12 infants under a year old in Merauke regency, tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Joseph Rinta, the head of Merauke's health office, said the babies likely contracted it from their mothers during birth.

"Their mothers were HIV positive and they passed it on to their babies," explained the chief health officer in the area.

A team of doctors is currently treating the babies, added Joseph. -- JP