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ine sex workers operating in the Mount Kemukus tourist area in Sragen, Central Java, have tested positive for HIV/AIDS, while dozens of others are infected with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The findings were disclosed by the National AIDS Commission (KPA). Earlier, the KPA gave voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) to 65 sex workers at the tourist site. The VCT was conducted to determine the health of the sex workers.

“The results were very surprising. Of the 65 female sex workers, nine of them were HIV positive and 58 others had contracted STDs,” said Sragen KPA head Wahyudi on Tuesday.

He added that the sex workers had only learned that they had HIV/AIDS after undergoing the VCTs. He said sex workers’ awareness about VCT in Mt. Kemukus was very low.

“They are not aware of how long they have been infected with HIV because they have never gone to the doctor for an examination,” said Wahyudi.

Regarding the dozens of sex workers infected with other STDs, Wahyudi said the transmission of these STDs was even more dangerous than HIV/AIDS as they were the main gateway to HIV/AIDS transmission.

“The effects of STDs are more virulent than HIV. People infected by HIV can remain healthy even if the virus remains in their system, but STDs are still quickly transmitted even if the patient has already undergone treatment, especially if they have reached a more advanced stage,” said Wahyudi.