Free Sex And Drugs Are The Main Causes Of High HIV Cases In Bengkulu City

Acting Head of Bengkulu City Health Office Joni Haryadi Thabrani. BETWEEN/Anggi Mayasari

BENGKULU - The Bengkulu City Health Office (Dinkes) noted that from January to May 2024 42 people tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the area. Acting (Plt) Head of the Bengkulu City Health Office, Joni Haryadi Thabrani, said the high number of HIV cases in the area was due to free sex and drug abuse. "For HIV cases in Bengkulu City until May 2024, there are 42 cases and hopefully there will be no significant additions until the end of the year," he said in Bengkulu, Antara, Wednesday, May 15. With the HIV case in Bengkulu City, his party appealed to the public to avoid illicit relations. Then, his party asked religious leaders, community leaders and local residents to monitor the surrounding environment so that drug abuse and free sex do not occur so that the spread of HIV is reduced in Bengkulu City. "Because we both know that in unsafe relationships, HIV can be transmitted and by taking drugs, especially using syringes, can be spread quickly," he said. Joni continued, drugs for HIV patients in Bengkulu City are free by visiting designated hospitals such as Harapan and Prayer Hospitals (RSHD) and M. Yunus Bengkulu Hospital. Therefore, his party continues to strive to emphasize the increase in HIV by coordinating with various parties to increase understanding and provide accurate and trustworthy education to the entire community regarding the dangers of HIV. Furthermore, people who have been detected as having HIV are also advised to maintain interaction so as not to transmit the virus to people who have not been infected. HIV sufferers must also be diligent in doing health checks so that they experience complications and are late in receiving treatment.

Previously, HIV cases in Bengkulu City from January to December 2023 were 133 cases and 53 of them had a history of male same-sex relationship (LSL).