Jakarta (ANTARA News) - There are 12 provinces in Indonesia that have reported the highest number of AIDS cases, therefore the local governments of these provinces have to conduct HIV/AIDS programmes, to create awareness of these diseases.

"These provinces are Jakarta, Papua, West Papua, East Java, West Java, Bali, North Sumatra, Central Java, West Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Riau and Yogyakarta," said Vice President Boediono, during a ceremony to mark the World AIDS Day.

He has urged the authorities in these provinces to allocate more funds to tackle the problem of HIV/AIDS in their respective provinces.

"We should not rely on foreign assistance alone," he said.

He has also urged firms in the country to support HIV/AIDS programmes by investing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

"University students and young people are required to spearhead HIV/AIDS programmes," said the vice president.

Systematic steps should be taken to address the problem of HIV/AIDS because the diseases can affect anyone.

The theme for this year`s World AIDS Day is `Protect Women and Children from HIV/AIDS`.

"Women and children are the focus of this year`s HIV/AIDS campaigns. Importance should be given to women and children because they are more vulnerable than men," said Linda Gumelar, Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Protection.

"Many women are not aware that these diseases can affect babies in their wombs," she noted.

Linda said the government and the public should work together to ensure that the women in the country have access to proper healthcare facilities.

"Clinics and hospitals should create awareness of HIV/AIDS, and they should look into the treatment too," she said.

"Children and women in the country have the right to know about sexual and reproductive health," added Linda.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012