HIV/AIDS rates in Banten are on the rise, 300 new cases have been added in the last 2 years

Hence, to give a voice to the prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission and also the equality of PLHIVs in social life, the Association of Internal Medicine Specialists of Indonesia (PAPDI) organized activities to commemorate World HIV/AIDS Day which fell on December 1st. This year’s theme is “Equalize” or “Equality”.

PAPDI Banten Branch Chairman Dr. Edison YP Saragih, SpPD explained, according to the theme, that PLWHAs are entitled to receive equality in many ways, especially in their social life.

“This means that there is a need for equality in various matters. Starting from government policies related to prevention, to treatment, then in the case of patients living with HIV/AIDS there should be no difference,” said Dr. Edison .

So in a caveat that it’s done a certain way disconnected for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic many activities have been planned which also involved the PLHIV community. According to the managing director of ‘Equalize’ Dr Triyono SpPD, this annual activity is to re-engage PLWHA so they can get along just like other people.

“So many positive activities took place today, starting with group gymnastics, medical check free, up to talk show with presenters and also people living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.

According to him, HIV/AIDS can be prevented by not having free sex, not using drugs, especially those that use needles. And change the stigma of PLWHA in the social life, don’t let PLWHA be ostracized or discriminated against.