AIDS on the rise in Riau

AIDS on the rise in Riau

PEKANBARU, Riau: The spread of the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) in Riau is increasing at an alarming rate,
particularly among sex workers operating in the region.

Head of the provincial health office Ekmal Rusydi disclosed on
Saturday that around eight percent of commercial sex workers in
Riau were HIV positive.

The high incidence of AIDS, according to him, was due to
customers' unwillingness to use condoms. The office has
encouraged sex workers and brothel owners to use preventive
measures, but most of their guests refuse to comply.

Commenting on the reported death of two Riau citizens
afflicted by AIDS, Ekmal said he had not yet been informed but
this may be true in view of the high prevalence of AIDS in
Tanjungpinang and Tanjungbalai Karimun. --Antara