Data on people with AIDS in Batam varies

Data on people with AIDS in Batam varies

BATAM, Riau: Spokesman for Mitra Keluarga Foundation Efrizal
said here on Tuesday that Batam's Health Center did not have
accurate data on the numbers of people with AIDS or those
infected by HIV virus on the island.

Efrizal said the increasing promiscuity and numbers of
brothels had made it difficult for the city health centers to
keep accurate records.

According to data at Batam Health Center, eight of the 13
people infected with HIV virus died in 2001 while reliable data
from a non-governmental organization showed that 32 people had
contracted AIDS.

So far, the Kemulian Hospital in Batam is the only place which
can carry out HIV tests.

Evianora Azwar, an activist on the island, urged the health
center to provide information to sex workers on the danger of
AIDS.

Meanwhile, Erigana from the city's health center said that the
data they had was accurate since it was based on a survey. --JP