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)