In a written statement received here on Friday, Soesatyo said that one of the efforts to prevent HIV transmission is checking free love or behaviors that cause a high risk of transmission.
He made the statement in response to data showing that cases of HIV/AIDS are still relatively high in a number of regions, including Jakarta.
The Jakarta Health Office recorded that the number of people living with HIV in the region reached 79,628 as of March 2023. Of the total number, 6,573 died of complications after getting infected.
He urged the government to make serious efforts to handle HIV/AIDS cases in all regions of Indonesia.
"The handling in regions with a high number of cases must become a priority," he said.
Further, Soesatyo asked health offices in regions to conduct routine health checks of people living with HIV and ensure they continue to be monitored and receive treatment as early as possible.
He also urged the Ministry of Health to remain committed to ensuring the availability of medicines for people living with HIV/AIDS and maximizing health services, including handling and treatment.
He expressed the hope that the government will be serious and maximize its efforts and measures for handling HIV, starting from intensifying case detection to preventing risk behaviors.
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Translator: Tri Meilani, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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