Kolaka Government witnesses rise of new HIV infections

Kolaka (Antaranews Sultra) - The number of people suffering from HIV in Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi, has increased by 270 percent in 2017 as compared to that recorded in 2016.

Head of the Kolaka Health Office Harun Massiri cited findings of the health office team on the field that showed several people, especially men, were infected with HIV.

"The increase is very high in the last two years," he remarked.

Kolaka District is one of the most open areas, with several people moving in and out of the area due to which the disease has easily spread from outside.

According to Massiri, the on-field team had found that dozens of HIV sufferers were the local residents of Kolaka, especially men in the age group of some 25-45 years.

"We cannot reveal the sufferers` identities due to privacy concerns. However, we have already cured them, including through medicines and counseling," he stated.

In a bid to take precautionary measures against the transmission of the disease, the government has urged stakeholders, including religious scholars and leaders, to disseminate information and awareness of HIV among the local people.

"I urge stakeholders to adopt effective approaches and conduct socialization, including highlighting the impact of HIV disease on the local people of Kolaka. I believe we can prevent it," he remarked.