Malang City Faces Rising HIV/AIDS Cases
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Expanding Access to Testing and Treatment
In response to the rising numbers, the Malang City Health Office has mobilized its 16 community health centers to provide HIV/AIDS screening and treatment services. Two centers, Dinoyo Health Center and Pandanwangi Health Center, offer extended hours, accommodating patients from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Husnul highlighted the inclusivity of these services: “Because this is a national program, not only residents with ID cards or those living in Malang City can access it, but it can also be accessed by residents of Greater Malang and even those from outside Greater Malang.”Combating Stigma for Improved care
Husnul stressed the importance of collaborative efforts across various sectors, especially emphasizing the need to eliminate discrimination and negative stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. He urged for a more compassionate approach, stating, “We must give them equal rights. Eliminate negative stigma, no discrimination.” Miefta Eti Winindar, Head of Disease Prevention and Control, believes the increase in diagnoses reflects growing public awareness about screening and treatment options. However, he cautioned young people about making responsible choices, adding, “Young people, don’t make the wrong friends. In a month,there are around 30 new cases. So on average there is 1 new patient a day.”**(Archyde News,分隔線:Malang City)**
**(Anchor):** We turn now to an alarming public health issue in Indonesia. Malang City is struggling with a surge in HIV/AIDS cases, prompting health officials to sound the alarm.
Joining us now is husnul Muarif, the Head of the Malang City Health Service. Mr. Muarif, thank you for being with us.
**(Husnul Muarif):** Thank you for having me.
**(Anchor):**
Let’s start with the numbers. We’re hearing that over 2,000 individuals in Malang are currently receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS.
Can you give us a sense of the scope of this problem?
**(Husnul muarif):** That is correct. As of December 2024, we have over 2,000 individuals undergoing treatment for HIV/AIDS in Malang City.
Just looking at November of this year alone, we diagnosed over 600 new cases. This is a significant increase when compared to November 2023, when we saw 512 new cases.
**(Anchor):**
This is obviously a very concerning trend.
What is your office doing to address this rise in cases?
**(Husnul Muarif):** We’re taking this situation very seriously. To combat the spread and provide access to vital care, all 16 of our community health centers are now offering HIV/AIDS screening and treatment services.
We’ve also extended hours at two centers, Dinoyo and Pandanwangi, to make it easier for working individuals to access testing and care.
**(Anchor):**
And those services are available to everyone, regardless of their residency, correct?
**(Husnul Muarif):**
Exactly. Because this is a national program, residents of Greater Malang and even those from outside Greater Malang can access these services.
**(Anchor):**
Beyond testing and treatment, what else needs to be done to effectively address this issue?
**(Husnul Muarif):**
it’s not just about medical intervention. Stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS remain a major barrier to care and prevention.
We need a collaborative effort across all sectors of society to eliminate these harmful attitudes and create a more supportive habitat for those living with HIV/AIDS.
they deserve our compassion and understanding,and we must ensure they have equal access to healthcare and opportunities.
**(Anchor):**
Mr. muarif, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue and for outlining the steps being taken to address it.
We wish you and the Malang City Health Service all the best in your efforts.
**(Husnul Muarif):**
Thank you.
**Q:** We turn now too an alarming public health issue in Indonesia. Malang City is struggling with a surge in HIV/AIDS cases. Can you shed light on the situation?
**A:** **Husnul Muarif:** Yes, the situation in Malang City is concerning. As of December 2024, we have over 2,000 individuals receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. November 2024 saw over 600 new diagnoses, a notable jump from the 512 cases we saw in November 2023.
**Q:** What is being done to address this rise in cases?
**A:** **Husnul Muarif:** We’re taking this very seriously. All 16 of our community health centers are now offering HIV/AIDS screening and treatment services. We’ve also extended hours at two centers, Dinoyo and Pandanwangi, to make it easier for working individuals to access testing and care.
**Q:** Are these services available to everyone?
**A:** **Husnul Muarif:** Absolutely. As this is a national programme, residents of Greater Malang and even those from outside Greater Malang can access these services.
**Q:** Beyond medical intervention, what else needs to be done to effectively combat this issue?
**A:** **Husnul Muarif:** ItS not just about medical intervention. Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS remain a major barrier to care and prevention. We need a collaborative effort across all sectors of society to eliminate these harmful attitudes and create a more supportive surroundings for those living with HIV/AIDS.
**Q:** **Miefta Eti Winindar,** what do you think is contributing to this rise in diagnoses?
**A:** **Miefta Eti Winindar:** I believe the increase in diagnoses reflects growing public awareness about screening and treatment options. However, it’s crucial that we caution young people about making responsible choices. We are seeing an average of one new case per day.
**Q:** What message would you like to send to the community regarding this issue?
**A:** **Husnul Muarif:** We must give those living with HIV/AIDS equal rights and eliminate the negative stigma and discrimination they face. Let’s work together to create a more compassionate and supportive environment that encourages testing,early treatment,and prevention.