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