batampos- The Batam City Health Office (Dinkes) noted that in a period of four months, January to April 2022, there were 194 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) sufferers. Of this number, 22 people died.
“Yes, from January to April 2022, there are 194 HIV cases in Batam,” said Head of Batam Health Office Didi Kusmarjadi, Friday (13/5).
According to him, HIV sufferers in Batam are still dominated by the age group of 25 to 49 years. The number reached 143 people. Then, there were 30 cases between 20-24 years old, 19 people aged 50 years and over and 5-19 years old, namely two cases.
READ ALSO: 58 Batam Residents Died Due to HIV/AIDS
Meanwhile, if categorized by gender, HIV sufferers in Batam City are dominated by men, which is as many as 148 cases. While women totaled 46 cases.
“Most men aged 25 years to 49 years with a total of 143 cases,” he explained.
When compared to the previous year, there were 484 HIV cases in Batam. Meanwhile, in 2020 there were 538 new cases of HIV and in 2019 there were 692 sufferers. In 2018 there were 718 cases and in 2017 there were 768 cases of HIV AIDS.
He explained that HIV was mostly caused by free sex that was accompanied by no safety equipment or condoms. Especially changing partners. Plus those who have sex with the same sex.
“Most of them are LSL (Men Like Men) couples,” he explained.
Various efforts continue to be made by the Batam Health Office in minimizing the number of HIV AIDS. One of them is providing counseling by involving all levels of society. Do as many HIV AIDS tests as possible, including Mobile VCT.
Apart from that, his office also provides information on immediate treatment, because people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who are regularly on ARVs cause a low viral load and a low chance of transmitting it. “Education like this continues to be encouraged,” he said.
Reporter : Rengga Yuliandra
–
