HIV knows no economic crux

HIV knows no economic crux

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of people flocked to a bazaar organized
by AIDS activists in Bulungan sports stadium, South Jakarta, over
the weekend.

On sale were items donated by people concerned with the spread
of HIV/AIDS, including Dangdut singer Ikke Nurjanah, comedian
Miing Bagito, and soap opera stars Robby Tumewu, Peggy Melati
Sukma, Neno Warisman, Adjie Massaid and Nurul Arifin.

Committee chief Baby Jim Aditya said the money would be used
to organize Renungan AIDS Nusantara, an anti-AIDS campaign to be
held simultaneously in 53 cities across Indonesia on May 17.

The campaign is Indonesia's contribution to the International
AIDS Candlelight Memorial and Mobilization to be held across the
world next month, she said.

She said the economic crisis had further complicated efforts
to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Indonesia, where 631 people
have been infected to date, Antara reported.

"Laboratory testing and medical costs have soared and the
number of infected people is rising. This proves that the spread
of AIDS has been unaffected by the monetary crisis." (pan)