HIV/AIDS on the rise in West Tanjungjabung

JAMBI: As many as 15 people, one of whom is three-years-old, have been reported to be HIV-positive at West Tanjungjabung regency this year while four others have died because of AIDS.

"The real number could be higher than that as sufferers mostly feel ashamed of reporting their cases to the AIDS Handling Commission *KPA*," said Dwikora Sulaksono, a health official, on Monday.

He said people's reluctance to have consultations and undergo tests had contributed to the spread of the virus.

Their reluctance, Dwikora said, was due to lack of education on HIV/AIDS as well as the negative preconception that HIV/AIDS was suffered only by morally damaged people, homosexuals and lesbians.

"We have been conducting a socialization program, especially aimed at vulnerable society groups, such as commercial sex workers, transvestites and drug users."

The program, he said, was aimed at disseminating information regarding HIV/AIDS and encouraging people not to get ashamed of visiting the KPA. - JP