AIDS activists hold special event

AIDS activists hold special event

JAKARTA (JP): Street children, homosexuals, transvestites and
prostitutes joined in an AIDS candlelight memorial in the city on
Saturday night.

The event was held to increase awareness among people about
the dangers of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS),
according to one of the organizers, Spiritia foundation.

The event held by Spiritia in its office on Jl. Radio IV, near
Blok M, South Jakarta, started with a jaipong traditional dance
performed by a transvestite. Participants then lit candles,
shared memories, prayed and recited poems.

The participants then walked around Blok M, releasing helium
balloons and handing out brochures. From Blok M, they went to the
Hotel Indonesia traffic circle by bus to join other AIDS
activists in a similar event.

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has recorded 1,887
cases of HIV infection and AIDS in this country since the first
case was discovered in 1987. Of the cases recorded, 1,393 people
are known to be infected with HIV, while the remaining suffer
full-blown AIDS. (hdn)