VD on Bali causing concern

DENPASAR, Bali: Sexually transmitted diseases on the tourist island are drawing concern from the local office of the Indonesian Family Planning Association.

Association chairman Made Molin Budiasa attributed the high prevalence of venereal and reproductive diseases to Bali's tourism activities and the number of visitors to the island.

Intensive contact with the outside world has brought about positive values, but also negative elements such as promiscuity, drugs and unwanted pregnancies, he said in a workshop.

The latest data shows that Bali has 33 people with the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) that can cause AIDS. Eleven of those have developed AIDS, Antara reported.

Budiasa said reproductive health problems in Bali have been aggravated by the fact that talking about reproductive matters is still considered taboo among Balinese. (31)