HIV/AIDS cases on the rise in N. Sumatra

Wed, 02/27/2008 12:08 PM  |  The Archipelago

ADPARA>MEDAN, North Sumatra: North Sumatra has seen a rise in the number of HIV/AIDS cases and economic hardship is one of the factors, says a health official.

North Sumatra Health Office head Chandra Syafei said Tuesday there was a growing trend in the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the province in the past two years.

He said there were 415 cases in 2006, of whom 107 had died, while in 2007, the number of cases was 460 with 41 deaths.

Chandra said there were 48 cases as of the start of this year, with 15 deaths. Two people died at Adam Malik Hospital on Feb. 24 after undergoing treatment for more than a week.

He added most of those with HIV/AIDS were drug users, followed by heterosexuals with multiple sex partners. -- JP

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.