Annual HIV Cases in Bandung City Reach 400 on Average

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - There have been 12,385 HIV cases logged in Bandung City over 30 years from 1991 to 2021. According to the Bandung City Health Office Head of Disease Prevention and Control, Ira Dewi Jani, the data was obtained from various health service facilities in the region.

From these facilities, people with HIV are recorded as patients who were and are treated or new findings based on the results of the examination. "In Bandung, the average number of HIV cases increases by around 300-400 people per year," said Ira, Monday, August 29.

However, when the total cases are broken down, there are only 5,843 people with HIV who are actual residents of Bandung while others are residents of surrounding neighboring towns such as the West Bandung Regency, Bandung Regency, and Cimahi. Most of the outside cases were treated in the area of Bandung City as healthcare services are not permitted to refuse patients. 

The reason these people from neighboring areas seek treatment outside their hometown is because of the stigma and discrimination that are still strong in society. "They seek treatment far from where they live so that no one will recognize it," said Ira.

Based on the pattern of distribution, the majority of HIV cases in Bandung are heterosexual and drug users by injection or IDU who are aged between 20-29 years old.

According to Ira, the Ministry of Health estimates that between 2020-2024, the number of HIV cases in Bandung will reach 10,538. The estimates issued every four years are made by the Health Ministry based on, among other things, survey results and statistical calculations with certain models. The city is eyeing to log zero cases by the year 2030.

She added that one of the ways to cut the chain of infections is by tracing those who have the virus but are still unaware of their conditions. This condition is a great challenge as HIV symptoms only start to emerge between 3-10 years after a person is infected. 

"During that period if they engage in risky behavior it can increase the number of people who are infected."

In people who are HIV positive, treatment can be done through antiretroviral therapy or ARVs. According to Ira, the drug can stop the replication of the virus. However, the HIV virus will always remain in the body. By taking ARVs, during a routine checkup every six months, the amount of virus can be in undetectable condition.

Treatment support or PDP is now served by dozens of health facilities at certain health centers and clinics, and major hospital establishments. If the patient is willing, there are peers or companions during the treatment period.

ANWAR SISWADI

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