Public urged to use AIDS hotlines

Public urged to use AIDS hotlines

JAKARTA (JP): Azwar Anas, the chief of the National Commission
on AIDS, yesterday urged the public to use the hotline numbers
for HIV/AIDS.

"By making a phone call, people can be informed on the do's
and don'ts of dealing with HIV/AIDS," Azwar said. This knowledge
should then be conveyed to their families, he said.

In Jakarta, the numbers include Hotline AIDS Mitra Indonesia,
whose number is 310855.

Azwar, also the Coordinating Minister for Public Welfare, said
the World Bank has promised US$24 million to help with a five
year program for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in
Jakarta and Riau.

He had reported to President Soeharto that Jakarta continues
to lead the country with 134 of the country's 376 cases of
HIV/AIDS, an increase of 11 persons in Jakarta compared to
December. (anr)