Generation Dare: Bogor City Campaign For Prevention And Control Of HIV/AIDS

Head of the Bogor City Health Office Sri Nowo Retno. (VOI)

BOGOR - In commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024 which carries the theme Setara Rights for All, Together We Can', the Bogor City Health Office has again strengthened efforts to prevent and handle HIV/AIDS cases amid the increasing number of new cases in the region.

Head of the Bogor City Health Office, dr. Sri Nowo Retno, invites the community, especially the younger generation, to stay away from promiscuity and drug abuse. With this year's campaign tagline, 'Dare Together, Can't Be', his party encourages Bogor City teenagers to become part of the Brave Generation (Gen B).

"The Dare Generation means that Bogor City teenagers dare to say no to free sex and drugs, dare to speak out to help their friends not to be trapped, and dare to seek information and access counseling services related to HIV," said dr. Sri Nowo Retno on Monday 2 December.

He also emphasized the importance of eliminating stigma against People with HIV (ODHIV). "On this World AIDS Day, let's all remember that every individual, regardless of HIV status, has the right to live a healthy life, is free of discrimination, and has access to quality health services," explained Retno.

The increase in Data Cases shows that the distribution of HIV positive cases in Bogor City in 2024 is mostly at the productive age of 25-49 years with 213 cases (63 percent).

The age group 20-24 years is in second place with 73 cases (21.6 percent). Based on gender, men dominate the number of cases with 292 cases (86 percent).

In the last three years, the trend of new HIV cases in Bogor City has continued to increase in 2021, 333 cases, 2022 408 cases, and in 2023 443 cases were reported.

The achievement of HIV cascade until October 2024 noted that 6,146 ODHIV were found and are still alive (115 percent of the target). 2,305 ODHIV undergo anti-corruption therapy (ART) (38 percent of the target) and 1,550 ODHIV have compressed Viral Load results (67 percent of the target).

The Health Office continues to intensify education, counseling and health services programs for the community. Cross-sector collaboration is also sought to accelerate handling and raise awareness about the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention.

"With courage and togetherness, we can create a healthy young generation, be free from HIV, and eliminate the stigma against ODHIV," concluded Retno.