Palembang Reports Decline in HIV/AIDS Cases Through September
Palembang, South Sumatra - The Palembang city Health Service (Dinkes) reported 346 confirmed cases of HIV/AIDS between January and September 2025, a notable decrease from the 547 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. The data signals potential progress in prevention efforts, though health officials emphasize continued vigilance.
The 346 cases comprise 261 individuals diagnosed with HIV and 85 with AIDS. According to Yudhi Setiawan, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division at the Palembang Health Office, the primary risk factor remains behavioral, specifically unprotected sexual activity. This underscores the ongoing need for thorough sex education and preventative measures, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
“HIV/AIDS is a disease that has risk factors from behaviour, especially free sexual behavior,” Setiawan stated. “One way to prevent it is not to have free sex, especially for teenagers and productive age groups.”
The Palembang city Health Office is actively conducting outreach programs, including educational sessions for students and community members, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention strategies. These initiatives aim to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to protect themselves and reduce the spread of the disease.
