22 inmates infected with HIV/AIDS

YOGYAKARTA: Twenty-two, out of hundreds of inmates in various prisons in Yogyakarta, have HIV/AIDS, sparking concern over the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in prisons, a prison doctor revealed on Tuesday.

Sixteen of the prisoners living with HIV/AIDS are detained in Wirogunan prison, while three others occupied cells in Sleman regency prison, said Budiman, a doctor at Wirogunan Prison. The data was based on a survey held two years ago.

Three of the six inmates in Sleman regency prison were in a serious condition with AIDS-related illnesses, said Budiman.

The rapid spread of HIV/AIDS in prisons was due to use of shared needles among inmates, said Budiman. -- JP