17 sex workers infected with HIV

PALU, Central Sulawesi: Seventeen sex workers from the Talise brothels complex in Palu have tested positive for the HIV virus, bringing to 28 the number of sex workers in Palu known to be HIV- positive.

Natsir Borman, the head of the provincial health office, said on Friday the actual number of sex workers with HIV could be much higher because not all of them had been tested.

He said his office would step up its campaign against HIV/AIDS, which will include distributing free condoms and holding seminars on the issue.

The number of Indonesians living with HIV/AIDS is estimated at between 80,000 and 130,000. -- JP