Tabanan Sees Surge in HIV/AIDS Cases, Raising Concerns
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Tabanan Regency, Bali, is facing a concerning surge in HIV/AIDS cases. From January to November 2024, the local health authorities recorded 116 new cases. This marks a significant rise compared to previous years, raising alarm bells within the community.
“Yes, from January to November 2024, there were 116 cases recorded,” confirmed Anak Agung Ngurah Putra Wiradana, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at the Tabanan Health Service.
Out of the 116 recorded cases, 64 were diagnosed with HIV, while the remaining 52 were AIDS cases. This increase follows a worrisome trend observed in recent years. In 2022, the Tabanan Health Office registered 94 HIV/AIDS cases, divided into 49 HIV and 54 AIDS cases. By 2023, the number had climbed to 99, with 50 HIV and 49 AIDS cases.
Lack of Awareness Fuels the Rise
Wiradana attributes the escalating HIV/AIDS rates in Tabanan to a lack of public awareness, particularly among individuals engaging in high-risk sexual behavior. “It’s often seen in those who have excessive sexual relations, change partners frequently, or are heterosexual,” he explained. Perinatal transmission also contributes to the rising figures.
Compounding the problem, many HIV/AIDS sufferers are reluctant to seek treatment, often due to stigma and a lack of understanding surrounding the disease. “Sufferers are not only of productive age; even children can experience this,” Wiradana emphasized. He warns that the reported figures barely scratch the surface.
The Hidden Reality
“The HIV/AIDS case is like an iceberg phenomenon,” Wiradana stated bluntly. “The sufferers we know about are only at the top.” He fears that many more affected individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated, potentially spreading the virus unknowingly.
“Such figures do not reflect the reality in society. HIV/AIDS sufferers may not have received treatment and can still wander around,” he added, stressing the urgent need for increased testing and awareness campaigns.
Combating the Epidemic Through Proactive Measures
The Tabanan Health Office is actively working to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. Zero survey activities, focused on high-risk areas like nightclubs, are conducted in collaboration with the Tabanan AIDS Prevention Commission (KPA).
In addition, the health office is implementing voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) programs. “We have carried out VCT on community-assisted residents and inmates in the Tabanan Class IIB Prison through the Tabanan III Community Health Center,” Wiradana noted.
The goal, he emphasizes, is to identify infected individuals early, provide comprehensive treatment and support, and ultimately, bring the HIV/AIDS epidemic under control.
“We hope that this case can be resolved soon in the future,” concluded Dr. Wiradana, expressing unwavering optimism and determination in the face of this public health challenge.
How is the Tabanan Health Service working to improve access to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS in the region?
## Tabanan HIV/AIDS Surge: An Interview with Anak Agung Ngurah Putra Wiradana
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today Mr. Wiradana. We are deeply concerned about the rising HIV/AIDS cases in Tabanan. Can you tell us more about the situation?
**Wiradana:** Absolutely. We are indeed witnessing a worrying trend. From January to November of this year alone, we’ve recorded 116 new cases. This is a significant increase from the 94 cases we saw in 2022 and the 99 cases in 2023. [[1](https://www.balipost.com/news/2024/12/02/430046/Selama-37-Tahun,DitemukanPuluhan-Ribu…html)]
**Host:** What factors are contributing to this surge?
**Wiradana:** We believe lack of public awareness is a major driver, especially regarding the risks associated with high-risk sexual behavior. This involves individuals engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple partners frequently, and even heterosexual couples who might not perceive themselves at risk.
**Host:** So, education and awareness are key?
**Wiradana:** Absolutely. We need to ramp up our efforts to educate the public, particularly vulnerable groups, about safe sex practices, the importance of getting tested, and available treatment options.
**Host:** What specific initiatives are the Tabanan Health Service undertaking to address this issue?
**Wiradana:** We are working on several fronts. This includes intensified public awareness campaigns, providing free HIV testing and counseling services, improving access to antiretroviral treatment, and strengthening partnerships with local communities and organizations to reach more people.
**Host:** This is certainly a challenging situation, but your work is vital.
**Wiradana:** Thank you. We are committed to working tirelessly to combat this epidemic and ensure the health and well-being of the Tabanan community.
