630 Youths in Tulungagung Test Positive for HIV-AIDS

The Tulungagung AIDS Commission (KPA) in East Java has recorded 630 youths as HIV-positive, with the trend of transmission now spreading to school-age children. KPA Tulungagung Secretary Ifada Nurrohmania stated that since cases were first detected, the total number of people living with HIV (Odhiv) in the region has reached 4,540, with the majority being of productive age. “Of that number, 630 are adolescents aged 13 to 25 who are HIV-positive. This is certainly alarming,” Ifada said during a socialisation event at SMKN 1 Boyolangu. The commission has detected a shift in the age of adolescents contracting HIV-AIDS, with a dominance in the 15 to 19 age group. The high number of cases in this age range is attributed to several factors, including transmission through unprotected sexual intercourse and transmission from HIV-positive parents. “For teenagers, the majority of cases are due to unprotected sex, predominantly heterosexual. However, there are also homosexual transmissions,” she explained. In response to the high rate of HIV cases among adolescents in Tulungagung, the KPA is intensifying prevention efforts by increasing socialisation and guidance programmes for students. One key message being emphasised to students is to avoid premarital sex and to prevent bullying. “The key is to love without undressing; do not be tempted into having sex before marriage,” Ifada said.