11 Pregnant Women Infected With HIV/AIDS In Kapuas Hulu, The Beginning From Putussibau, South West Kalimantan

Illustration of pregnant women getting vaccinated against COVID-19. (ANTARA-Latin America News A-Pool via REUTERS)

WEST KALIMANTAN - A total of 11 pregnant women have been confirmed to have HIV/AIDS in Kapuas Hulu Regency, West Kalimantan. They have declared exposure based on a rapid test or early detection of HIV/AIDS.

Sub-Coordinator of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases of the Kapuas Hulu Health, Population Control and Family Planning Office, David Marwandi, said that now the total number of HIV/AIDS in Kapuas Hulu is 20 people.

"We estimate that this year the number of HIV/AIDS sufferers will increase and the areas that are vulnerable are South Putussibau and Kalis", said David.

He explained that the previous number of HIV/AIDS cases was nine people and it was recorded that they had undergone treatment. Meanwhile, based on his records from 2016 to May 2022, the number of people infected with HIV/AIDS was 35 people. Some are gone.

According to him, the case of HIV/AIDS in Kapuas Hulu started in the sub-districts of South Putussibau and Kalis, which are areas prone to HIV/AIDS.

Furthermore, he explained, the Kapuas Hulu Health Office continues to try to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission through each Puskesmas by screening risk groups, especially pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

"If a case is found, it will be referred to a hospital for further counseling and treatment, but the problem is that most of us with HIV/AIDS are shy and don't want to go to health facilities", he said.

He appealed to the people of Kapuas Hulu to avoid promiscuity or free sex as an effort to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

"We continue to try to provide education and outreach to the community so as not to contract the disease", he concluded.