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Mimika records high number of HIV/AIDS cases
The Mimika chapter of the National AIDS Commission (KPA) says that as of the middle of this year, the number of people with HIV/AIDS in the regency has reached 3,900
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T
he Mimika chapter of the National AIDS Commission (KPA) says that as of the middle of this year, the number of people with HIV/AIDS in the regency has reached 3,900.
This means Mimika regency in Papua has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS cases, following Wamena (5,000) and Nabire (4,000).
'According to data we have received, housewives are now the biggest at-risk group concerning HIV/AIDS, compared to commercial sex workers. People from all professions, starting from farmers and fishermen to civil servants and police and military personnel, are vulnerable to the illness as well. HIV/AIDS do not differentiate between age and social group,' said Reynold.
HIV/AIDS infections in Mimika were first found in two commercial sex workers in a red-light district in Kampung Kadun Jaya in 1996.
Reynold said that with continuous efforts involving all components of society, Mimika could control the spread of new HIV infections.
He added that the KPA Mimika was involving religious leaders and families to help eradicate discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS.
KPA Mimika continued to introduce information on HIV/AIDS prevention, he said, and train health workers to introduce preventive measures, including encouraging clean and healthy living. (put/ebf)
