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