"Over the years, the number of people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) continued to grow. Based on the data obtained, all the sub districts in Bengkalis have the sufferers, mostly in two districts, Saber and Sidewalk," Suayatno noted.
Suayatno who is also Vice Head of Bengkalis district said, until the beginning of 2011, it was found that at least there are 52 cases including 29 women and 23 cases men.
"These cases were dominated by women and men whose age is still quite productive. This is certainly very view. This year, their number also increased by about 15 percent from the previous year`s 44 cases," he said.
Meanwhile, the head of the Bengkalis district Health Office, Zulfan Heri said, the average HIV/AIDS sufferers in the areas are commercial sex workers and transvestites.
"The number of commercial sex workers and transvestites who contracted this deadly disease because free sexual intercourse which they routinely do to meet their life needs," he said.
According to him, the root causes of HIV/AIDS are not only in terms of health, but also social and family background of a weak economy.
"Therefore, it takes an active role in tackling people of all walks of life and reduce the disease," Zulfan said.
(T.KR-LWA/H-NG/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
