HIV PREVENTION CRUCIAL TO END AIDS EPIDEMIC by Fardah

 Jakarta, Dec 1, 2016 (Antara)- World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died.

        Held for the first time in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day,  aimed at raising awareness of AIDS epidemic, according to information on www.worldaidsday.org.

        Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.   
    An estimated 34 million people have the virus globally.

         The theme of World AIDS Day this year is "Hands Up For #HIVPrevention," which is highlighting how HIV prevention needs to be re-invigorated as a crucial part of efforts to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

         Prevention programs that include  providing HIV information, condom distribution and outreach to young people and key populations, are often the first entry point for individuals to HIV testing and treatment.

          In Indonesia, the commemoration of World AIDS Day was centered in Surabaya, that has the highest number of HIV virus infection in the country.

         "East Java is a province with high rate of HIV infection, along with Jakarta, Papua, West and Central Java," Indonesia's Health Minister Nila F Moeloek said while leading the function in Surabaya, East Java, on Dec 1.

HIV CASES IN INDONESIA RISING SHARPLY by Fardah

   Jakarta,  Dec 13, 2012 (ANTARA) - Within a period of five years, the cumulative number of reported HIV infections in Indonesia has risen sharply -from 7,195 in 2006 to 76,879 in 2011, according to a  National AIDS Commission (NAC) report.

         According to the 2009 national estimates of HIV infection, about 186,257 people were infected with HIV and 6.4 million people were at risk.

Feature: RI RACING AGAINST TIME IN FIGHTING HIV/AIDS by Fardah

     Jakarta, Aug. 29, 2009 (ANTARA) - The relatives of Budi (not his real name) were shocked and felt despair when the doctor said that the 33-year old man was infected with HIV virus. His wife cried and almost could not believe that her quiet and loving husband has contracted the deadly disease.

        "My life is over, especially if he infects me and our one-year old son with HIV virus," 20-year old Juminten (not her real name), said while weeping. Budi and Juminten got married two years ago and led a happy family life particularly after the birth of their son a year ago.