Semarang has 44 people with HIV

SEMARANG: The local health agency has recorded 44 people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) since 1998 here.

Most of those testing positive were working in red light districts across the Central Java capital.

Head of the agency Hadi Wibowo said on Tuesday that health officers had been intensifying their campaign to urge people to use condoms in the brothels located in the Sunan Kuning, Gambilangu and Argorejo areas.

"It does not mean we are condoning prostitution, but we have to campaign for this to prevent the spread of HIV," Hadi said.

Campaigning has also been conducted in bus terminals and among truck drivers.

Agency data shows that five people have died of full-blown AIDS since 1998.

Aris Sunarto, the coordinator of non-governmental organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS prevention, said many people who sought sexual services in brothels were reluctant to use condoms.

He said he was afraid of the virus spreading rapidly if the condom campaign failed. He also complained about the insufficient funding allocated for the campaign, which could further hamper the program. -- JP