"We have several programs, so that PLWHA can interact and be productive in their lives through social empowerment," Head of the Social Office of West Java Dodo Suhendar stated when contacted through phone here on Saturday.
He noted that PLWHA have potentials and must continue their activities and return to work and partake in music, sports, the service sector, or others in accordance with their abilities.
So far, PLWHA have often withdrawn from society, despite several of them also having the potential to contribute.
"They have difficulties in social interaction and experience reduction in social independence due to a negative stigma. One of our tasks is to help them to return to being active and productive in their social environments," he remarked.
He emphasized that eradicating the stigma on PLWHA called for collaboration of all parties, not only the Health Office and Social Office but also other community organizations.
According to Suhendar, if PLWHA can return to their social environments and be economically productive, it will reduce the stigmas.
He invited all parties to map PLWHA and their potentials that can be developed.
Moreover, he assessed that PLWHA from low-income families need to be offered social assistance.
Head of Disease Prevention and Control of the West Java Health Office, Ryan Bayusantika Ristandi, noted that according to the Health Office data, during 2021, the province recorded an additional 5,444 people to have tested positive for HIV, while 4,165 are currently undergoing routine treatment.
In the first semester of 2022, or the January-June period, the province recorded 3,744 additional cases, while 2,850 are undergoing routine treatment.
In 2021, regions that recorded the most number of new cases were Bandung City, reaching 869; Bogor District, 429; Bekasi, 390; Bogor City, 388; and Indramayu District, 353.
Meanwhile, during the January-June 2022 period, regions that recorded the most cases were Bandung City reaching 410; Bogor District, 365; Bekasi City, 365; Indramayu District, 252; and Bekasi District, 217.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
