Unsafe practices increase HIV risk

AMBON, Maluku: A government official said on Friday that some 157,699 of Maluku's population of 1.2 million were at risk of HIV infection through unsafe sex or unsafe injecting practices.

The figure was reached through a study on injecting drug use and prostitution in the province.

Maluku Health Office head Rukiah Marasabessy said on Friday that 440 people in Maluku were HIV positive, 103 of whom were housewives. "The virus has spread at a rapid pace here over the last few years," said Rukiah.

The first AIDS-related death in Maluku was reported in 2002.

The Maluku government plans to step up its campaign against HIV/AIDS in order to curb the spread of the virus in the province. -- JP