Batam Health Office Reports Findings Of 61 HIV Cases In Early 2025

Photo illustration. (Doc. Pexels)

BATAM - There were 61 positive cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in screening conducted since early 2025 by the Batam City Health Office (Dinkes), Riau Islands (Kepri).

"According to a report in January, we found a total of 61 positive cases of HIV, with 47 men and 14 women. These are the findings from screening as many as 803 people," said Batam Health Office Head Didi Kusmarjadi when contacted in Batam, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, February 22.

He said that in 2025 the screening target must be achieved by 15,868 people. This target is higher than in 2024, which is 15,060 people.

The screening target is increasing, meaning that early detection efforts will be intensified this year. With more people undergoing screening, the handling can also be done faster," he said.

HIV cases found in early 2025 were spread across various age groups, with details of 11 cases found in the age group 20-24 years, 41 cases in the age group 25-49, seven cases in the age group over 50 years and two cases found in the age group 15-19 years.

The Batam Health Office continues to try to reduce the number of HIV/AIDS cases with the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PreP) program and Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.

PREP is a HIV prevention drug that can provide maximum protection after seven days of use for anal sex transmission, as well as 20 days for transmission through vaginal sex and the use of injecting narcotics. PREP is only given to individuals with a high risk of contracting HIV such as women who work sex (WPS) and drug injecters (conductors).

Meanwhile, ARV plays a role in inhibiting the reproduction of HIV viruses and preventing a decrease in endurance in people with HIV/AIDS and is recommended to use the drug regularly and with discipline.

"With the PREP and ARV programs, the number of HIV cases can be suppressed. The most important thing is that the more screening is carried out, the sooner the handling can be given," he concluded.