TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta AIDS Prevention Commission (KPAP) secretary, Rohana Manggarala, claimed a significant increase in volunteers of VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) to determine the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in human's body. More than 12,000 people conducted a check-up in November 2013.
"This is the first time, because there were previously only a few volunteers came for a check-up," Rohana told Tempo in Sunday, December 1, 2013. In November 2013, there were 2,000 to 3,500 people came for a check-up in one municipality.
Rohana said that this significant increase occurred after KPAP changed the test method. "Now, they will be tested first. If they are HIV positive, then we will continue to personal questions such as sexual behavior or possible drug injection."
Personal questions were previously asked before blood test, but after receiving advice from Deputy Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, they changed the test method. "Mr. Ahok said that the old method caused discomfort for the participants," Rohana explained. KPAP prioritizes men because they have risks of transmitting HIV to their partner if their sexual behavior tends to be free.
ANGGRITA DESYANI