AIDS, finding

AIDS, finding
a scapegoat

From Kompas

Only myths and scapegoats were featured in a report published
by Kompas on Nov. 18 on HIV/AIDS in Asmat. Thai fishermen used to
be blamed for "carrying" HIV to Merauke but now the blame has
been placed on eaglewood merchants and sex workers.

The report stated that HIV/AIDS cases were first detected in
Merauke in 1992 along with the arrival of Thai fishermen and sex
workers. Strangely, nobody seems interested in the fact that some
Asmat people left Asmat before 1992. Asmat sculptors, for
example, went to Java to study and government officials often
left Asmat.

The report compiled by the health ministry's directorate
general for the eradication of contagious diseases claims that up
till March 31, 1995 there were three AIDS cases in Papua.
Statistically, the AIDS incubation period in Papua occurs between
five and ten years. So, the three AIDS patients were first
infected between 1985 and 1990.

The report dismisses the possibility the HIV epidemic in Asmat
and Papua was caused by local people who could have caught the
disease outside Asmat and then returned home. To be honest, it is
possible the sex workers were infected by the locals.

The report mentions that 80 sex workers were tested but it
fails to say whether these sex workers were examined when they
first came to Asmat. It is possible they were infected in Asmat.

A UNAIDS report shows that HIV/AIDS cases are also found in
places where there are no bars, karaoke centers, cinemas or red-
light areas. The cases in Asmat can therefore be associated with
an HIV/AIDS case in a country fortifying itself with religion.
The residents, it is found out, have been infected outside the
region.

The crux of the problem is why Asmat residents do not protect
themselves against HIV/AIDS. Actually, the spread of HIV can be
prevented easily. Even if eaglewood is exchanged for sex, HIV
infection rates can be cut to zero percent if the exchange is
conducted safely.

The title of the article is sensational: Merauke in the grip
of HIV/AIDS monster). Even the sub-title is no less sensational:
Youngsters are targeted. Please bear in mind that there has never
been and will never be an HIV attack. People anywhere at any time
can be infected by HIV if they carry out risky activities.

There are about 40 million HIV/AIDS cases the world over. HIV
infection breaks through the administrative borders of cities,
regions and countries.

SYAIFUL HARAHAP

Jakarta