HIV/AIDS rises in S. Sumatra

HIV/AIDS rises in S. Sumatra

PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The number of people infected with
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(HIV/AIDS) in the province has seen a considerable rise in the
past five years.

Official data from the provincial health office shows that at
the end of 2000 there were 74 people infected with HIV/AIDS. Five
years earlier the number had "only" reached 32.

However many admit that the true number of those infected with
the deadly disease may be much higher as the prevalence of the
disease here is estimated to be four out of every 100,000
residents. South Sumatra has a population of about 7.3 million.

M. Suharni, a researcher at the Center of Policy and People
Participation Study, in Palembang, urged the local administration
and the community to together anticipate the expected increase.

"We need to appropriately anticipate to help the vulnerable,"
he said adding that "we need an institution that will take charge
and address the AIDS problem."

Syafii Ahmad, head of the local health office, said that in an
epidemic situation the first steps would be to cure the host by
using drugs, then we kill the agent.

But unfortunately this is inapplicable with AIDS as there is
still no cure or vaccine yet.

"Then we should concentrate on an approach which targets the
environment. We must appeal to people to have safe sex through
advocacy, counseling, and campaigns", Ahmad remarked. (33)