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HIV not transmitted via used clothing, PKBI says
Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) executive director Inang Winarso criticized on Thursday Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, who said that the buying used clothing was dangerous because it could transmit various diseases, one of which was the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
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ndonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) executive director Inang Winarso criticized on Thursday Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, who said that the buying used clothing was dangerous because it could transmit various diseases, one of which was the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
'[Used clothes] can transmit skin diseases. People can even suffer from HIV. It's true. There is a laboratory study that has proven it,' Gobel announced at the House of Representatives compound in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, as quoted by detik Finance.
Inang said the minister's statement was incorrect and contained misleading information.
'This information can lead people to misunderstanding how HIV is transmitted. Such information also strengthens stigma and discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS,' said Inang in a statement available to The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
The activist added that Gobel, as a state official, should play an active role in controlling HIV and AIDS by, among others things, educating people ' not making false statements that cannot be scientifically proven.
Before making public statements about AIDS-related problems, Inang said, a state official must first understand how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent and reduce the risk of transmission.
Moreover, Indonesia has established the National AIDS Commission (KPAN) which is responsible for coordinating AIDS-control programs in the country. Thus, all ministries and non-ministry government institutions that become KPAN members should have a common understanding about the matter. 'With such an understanding, it is hoped that there will be no more misconceptions about AIDS,' said Inang.
HIV is transmitted through contact with body fluids via unsafe sexual intercourse, used needles, or mother-to-child transmission. (ebf)(+++)
