Government plays down AIDS threat

Government plays down AIDS threat

JAKARTA (JP): An activist regretted on Monday the government's
tendency to play down the spread of HIV/AIDS, saying it would
only hamper the campaign to control the disease.

"Our government insists that our country has a low prevalence
of HIV/AIDS while in fact the number of cases is increasing with
time. Government officials are reluctant to admit that the
disease is a threat to everyone," noted HIV/AIDS campaigner Baby
Jim Aditya said.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that as of April
there were 52,000 people infected with HIV in Indonesia. The
Ministry of Health, however, revealed that only 1,887 cases had
been recorded since the first case was discovered in 1987.

Of the cases recorded in the country, 1,393 people were known
to be infected with HIV, while the remaining suffer full-blown
AIDS.

"From the small figure, however, we can see how fast the
disease has spread, as in 1987 there were only six cases," Baby
said.

There were only seven cases discovered in 1988, and within
five years the number grew to 113. In 1999 there were 225 cases
reported.

Baby said HIV/AIDS did not only concern health or moral
issues, but also sexual attitudes and how people perceived the
disease.

"The government persistently holds on to the country's image
as a home to decent people," she remarked.

As part of her campaign and efforts to raise public awareness
about HIV/AIDS issues, Baby said she would hold a gathering in
Jakarta and 71 other towns on May 20. The gatherings, to be
marked with participants lighting candles, will be held
simultaneously.

The event in Jakarta, jointly organized with Avi productions,
will take place in the front grounds of the National Museum on
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat in Central Jakarta.

Featuring HIV/AIDS campaigners Zubairi Djoerban and
psychologist Joyce Djaelani Gordon and some of the country's
renowned musicians, the event is open to the public.

"We estimate around 500 people will light the candles, which
symbolize the world's struggle against HIV/AIDS," Baby said.

The candlelight evening which usually takes place in the
second week of May is part of the global move to combat the
disease. (emf)