244 HIV cases in Merauke

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Merauke regent Jhon Gluba Gebze disclosed on Friday that there had been 244 recorded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the province until July this year.

The regent said that 47 people had contracted full blown Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). He added that 65 of the HIV victims had died of the condition.

The regent said the local government would intensify its campaign to stop the spread of the disease.

However he refused to close down bars and prostitution centers in the regency, saying he did not believe such a move was an effective measure, Antara reported. (prb)