Bangka Belitung Health Office Finds 37 New, Highest HIV Cases In Groups Age 25-49 Years

Socialization of HIV prevention for night entertainment workers in Belitung (ANTARA/Kasmono-Apriliansyah)

BANGKA - The Belitung Regency Health Office (Dinkes), Bangka Belitung Islands Province, found 37 new HIV cases in the area throughout 2023. "The number of new HIV cases in Belitung Regency in 2023 has reached 37 cases," said Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Belitung Health Office, Sri Agustini in Tanjung Pandan, Monday. According to him, the number of new HIV cases was found in five age groups including 5-14 years 12 cases, 15-19 cases two cases, 20-24 years three cases, 25-49 years 29 cases and > 50 years one case. "The highest new cases of HIV in Belitung are in the 25-49 year age group which reached 29 cases," he said. Sri added that the Belitung Health Office noted that the number of new HIV cases in the area in the last three years has continued to increase. He said the number of new HIV cases in Belitung in 2021 was 25 cases, 2022 33 cases, and 2023 37 cases. "The condition of new HIV cases in Belitung continues to increase every year," he said. He added that the activities carried out related to the P2 HIV-PIMS program such as screening or HIV examination in risky groups such as pregnant women, TB sufferers, patients with Sexual Infection Infection (IMS), Men like Men (LSL), Women who Work Sex (WPS), Transgender, and Correctional Inmates (WBP). Next is HIV examination of prospective brides and couple notifications, discovery of HIV cases, treatment of HIV patients (on ARV) both at the Marsidi Judono Hospital and at the Puskesmas Maintenance, Support and Treatment (PDP) service, and socialization or counseling related to HIV targeting the key population group.

"We urge the public to avoid risky sex behavior that can transmit HIV disease," he said.