The use of contraceptives can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 95 percent.
Bekasi, West Java (ANTARA) - The Bekasi city government, West Java, has distributed 16,560 condoms as part of efforts to prevent the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

"The use of contraceptives can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by up to 95 percent," Head of the Bekasi City Health Office Tanti Rohilawati said here on Friday.

According to her, the condoms will be distributed to "discordant" couples—that is, couples where one partner has HIV and the other one does not—to break the chain of transmission.

HIV transmission can still happen due to the breaking or improper placement of condoms, for instance, they may be exposed to sunlight or stored inside a wallet, Rohilawati said.

"The expiration date of condoms should be paid attention to, too, because it usually causes leaks," she added.

In addition to distributing condoms, the Bekasi City Health Office is also carrying out several efforts to help prevent HIV transmissions, such as accelerating coordination and case reporting with all health centers (puskesmas) and hospitals.

The office is also holding workshops for hospital staff, a "triple elimination" program for pregnant women to reduce transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, as well as screenings for risk groups.

"We are also conducting HIV-related screening and education every Sunday, during the Car Free Day. This education involves HIV activists," she said.

Between January and August this year, 554 HIV cases were reported in Bekasi, with most of the patients falling in the 25–49 age group.

"This year's case data was through test results of residents with Bekasi ID cards and non-Bekasi ID cards who live here. The 431 people are male and 123 female," Rohilawati said.

Condoms have been distributed to hospitals and health centers that support HIV treatment and care services, including Cashbullah Abdul Madjid Regional General Hospital (RSUD), Elisabeth Hospital, Ananda Hospital Bekasi, Mustika Jaya Health Center, Kali Abang Tengah Health Center, Perumnas II Health Center, Karang Kitri Health Center, Pengasinan Health Center, and Jati Sampurna Health Center.

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Translator: Pradita S, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
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