Over the past 37 years, Bali has recorded high levels of HIV/AIDS cases; the Bali Provincial Health Service handled 31,161 cases of HIV/AIDS from 1987 until 2024, comprised of 19,589 cases of HIV and 11,772 cases of AIDS. Broken down by sex, 11,317 and 20,044 men are afflicted,
As published by BaliPost.com, the top age group of 20-29 year-old individuals recorded 11,041 cases of HIV/AIDS, followed by those aged 30-39 years of age with 10,578 cases, 5,074 cases for sufferers aged between 40-49 years old.
The geographical distribution of HIV/AIDS in Bali over the past 37-year period saw the most significant number of cases in Bali’s capital of Denpasar, with 16,216 cases, Badung Regency with 4.562 cases, Buleleleng Regency (North Bali) with 3,868 cases, Gianyar Regency 2,478 cases, and Tabanan Regency 1,382 cases.
Commenting on Bali’s response to HIV/AIDS, Bali’s interim Governor, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, said that a conducive, productive, and harmonious environment is needed to control and combat the epidemic. Such an environment includes the need for society as a whole to exhibit empathy and sympathy for individuals infected with HIV/AIDS to eliminate homelessness, stigmatization, and discrimination.
The Governor’s comments were in keeping with the theme of “Collective Action to Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress” in marking the 37th International AIDS Day on 01 December 2024. Central to the HIV/AIDS campaign is to honor individual rights by providing inclusive and accessible health treatment without any stigma or discrimination.
The Governor said empathy and understanding will allow the transformation of those infected with HIV/AIDS so they are not viewed as sources of infection but as agents of prevention.
The Interim Governor’s comments were made at a Sunday, 01 December 2024 ceremony at Bali’s Peoples Struggle Monuments (Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat Bali).
Prevention and safe sex practices are vital to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Governor reminded those in attendance that as much as 70% of HIV/AIDS cases are linked to high-risk heterosexual and homosexual intimate contact and via mother’s milk for HIV-positive nursing mothers.
HIV/AIDS infections are also spread through unsterilized injection needles shared among intravenous narcotics users infected with the disease. The Governor called on the public to educate themselves on the causes of HIV/AIDS as regards safe sexual practices and the dangers inherent in the use of narcotics.
The Governor outlined steps capable of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and the statement to “Honor the Pledge to Stop AIDS” (“Tepati Janhi – Stop AIDS”). Those preventative steps outlined to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS include:
- A) Abstaining from sexual contact.
- B) Maintaining fidelity with your sexual partners.
- C) Use condoms when engaging in high-risk sexual contact.
- D) Do not use intravenous narcotics,
- E) Study and understand HIV/AIDS and its related risks.
Part of the HIV/AIDS days commemoration in central Denpasar included:
- Free anonymous HIV testing.
- Awarding prizes to young people active in the HIV/AIDS prevention campaign.
- Awards to non-governmental organizations for their campaigns to stop the spread of the disease.
Screening for HIV/AIDS for Pregnant Women in Jembrana Regency
As reported by NusaBali.com, the Jembrana Regency Health Service now requires pregnant women to undergo HIV/AIDS screening. Jembrana officials are also actively educating young people and students about HIV/AIDS across five sub-districts of the Regency.
The head of the Jembrana Regency Health Service, dr Made Dwipayana, reports that for the year 2024 through 02 December 2024, a total of 649 cases of HIV/AIDS, with 47 people refusing treatment, have been recorded.
Dwipayana revealed that HIV/AIDS counselors are now in place at community health centers (puskesmas) in Jembrana Regency. Testing and screening for HIV/AIDS are now available, together with complimentary drug treatments for people living with HIV, to prevent the development of AIDS.
Related Links
Bali Turning the Corner in HIV/AIDS Battle
Bali Ranks 6th for HIV/AIDs Nationwide
Bali Medika Clinic – HIV and STI Testing in Bali
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