Books on HIV/AIDS available for free

JAKARTA (JP): Several people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have written a book on HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome), which is available for free.

The book, called Sebuah Buku Kecil Tentang Hidup dengan HIV/AIDS (A Little Book About Living with HIV/AIDS), was published by the spiritia peer support group in cooperation with British Women's Association and Canadian Women's Association.

It was dedicated with love, spirit and hope, for all people with HIV/AIDS and their families and friends throughout Indonesia.

"This little book was written by people, who also live with HIV, to share their hope with you," the publisher writes in the book's introduction.

The government has recorded 463 HIV/AIDS cases in Indonesia and 66 of them have died. But the World Health Organization estimates 50,000 Indonesians might be HIV positive. A University of Indonesia research group recently said between 12,000 and 31,000 Indonesians are dying every because of AIDS.

The newly published book explains in a simple language what really happens when one gets HIV. "Testing positive to HIV does not necessarily mean that we are sick, suffering from AIDS or dying. Some people can live with HIV in their body for ten years or even more," it says.

The 26-page book gives basic information about the drugs, treatment, therapy and the responsibilities of people who have the virus. The readers can also learn how the virus is transmitted and how to avoid it, for example, by practicing safe sex.

Anyone interested in the book can contact spiritia, P.O. Box 151 CNR, Jakarta 16514, Tel/Fax. 766-9233, 846-1247, e-mail: spiritia@rad.net.id. (sim)