HIV/AIDS on the rise in Samarinda

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: An official said here on Friday that the number of people recorded as having HIV/AIDS in East Kalimantan had increased by more than 300 percent in one year.

Last year, only 30 people were registered as having the deadly virus in the province, but the number had risen to 96 this year, said Ridwan Masrun, the head of East Kalimantan health office.

"It serves as a wakeup call for the residents of East Kalimantan," Ridwan said.

He said the rising number of infections was attributed to rampant prostitution in East Kalimantan.

In order to minimize the spread of the virus, Ridwan said the government would intensify campaigns on HIV/AIDS, including on the use of condoms. -- JP