Only half HIV/AIDS patients detected

Only half HIV/AIDS patients detected

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Humanitarian Committee (KKI) says only
50 percent of people with HIV/AIDS in the country have been
detected.

KKI foundation chairman Mar'ie Muhammad said on Friday that
most people with HIV/AIDS were reluctant to come forward, making
it the extent of the problem impossible for the government to
gauge.

"According to government data, the number of people with
HIV/AIDS stands at between 80,000 and 120,000 people. But I think
the real number is double the figure as most people are ashamed
to reveal their condition," said Mar'ie, who is also chairman of
the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and a former finance minister.

Mar'ie said that the number of people with HIV/AIDS in big
countries like China, India and Indonesia tended to increase
steadily.

"Curbing the epidemic requires simultaneous, concerted
efforts," Mar'ie said.

The KKI, along with the private sector and state enterprises,
is active in conducting training to raise people's HIV/AIDS
awareness.

The KKI is currently collaborating with the State Savings Bank
(BTN). However previously, the KKI has also worked together with
PT Gudang Garam, PT Sampoerna and PT Djarum.

"These companies have large numbers of employees, who through
proper training could set an example and inform their friends and
neighbors of the dangers of HIV/AIDS," Mar'ie said.--Antara