The Bali AIDS Commission (KPA) plans to set up pilot projects on HIV/AIDS handling in Badung regency and Denpasar municipality, KPA executive director Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga said Wednesday.
"We have asked both regions to assign a village each in their territories to be the site for the pilot project, so we can conduct the AIDS handling program better and in a more quantifiable way," he said.
"Should the projects be realized, we can have the handling program better planned, conducted and supervised."
Puspayoga, who is also Bali vice governor, said both the Badung vice regent and Denpasar mayor had given positive responses to the projects.
He added the pilot projects were expected to suppress the spread of HIV/AIDS in both regions "down to the roots".
"So far we can only eradicate the branches and twigs, but with the pilot projects we hope to be able to eliminate *the disease* down to the roots," he said.
Badung and Denpasar were chosen for the projects because of the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases in both regions. The Bali KPA, however, has yet to determine the concept and form of the proposed projects.
"We need further studies and discussions to decide how to handle HIV/AIDS so as not to violate human rights," said Puspayoga, also former Denpasar mayor.
While setting a time frame for the projects to be realized this year, he admitted success was not guaranteed with the idea.
"We can't say it will be a definite success, but we need trial and error. We will still conduct dissemination and development activities," he said.
The Bali KPA received 2,500 reports of HIV/AIDS cases as of 2008, half of which were in the 15-29 demographic.
The commission says the number of infections in the province may have reached 4,000.
"Most people living with HIV/AIDS are still reluctant to report themselves because they are afraid of being stigmatized and discriminated against," said Bali KPA program officer Yahya Anshori.
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