Labuan Bajo (ANTARA) – The Government of West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara is building a partnership with the community who are members of the West Manggarai AIDS Care Volunteer Team (WPA) to address HIV/AIDS issues in the area.
“The Government of West Manggarai Regency is optimistic that convergence in HIV/AIDS management can be carried forward together,” West Manggarai Deputy Regent Yulianus Weng said in Labuan Bajo on Friday (6/1/2023 ).
He said the WPA Volunteer Team can provide comprehensive education to the public regarding HIV prevention and treatment, including issues that are still taboo in society.
According to him, a complete understanding of HIV/AIDS can help people take the right steps for prevention and treatment.
Weng, who is the managing director of West Manggarai KPA, said that the progress of the tourism world can have both negative and positive impacts.
The case of HIV/AIDS is one of the negative impacts of the massive development of tourism. However, he welcomed cooperation and collaboration with the community, especially volunteers, with the optimism that it could provide positive progress for tourism.
“We are optimistic that the negative impacts of tourism progress can be overcome together and suppress HIV/AIDS in our area,” Weng said.
West Manggarai KPA Secretary Bernadus Barat Daya said he has developed a strategy to address HIV/AIDS in 12 sub-districts and 22 health centers in West Manggarai.
West Manggarai KPA focuses on expanding HIV/AIDS education and providing free HIV testing for residents. They aim to screen 1,500 at-risk citizens by 2023.
“Those at risk include drivers, immigrants from areas where most migrate out of town and then return, as well as people with HIV/AIDS or PLHIV,” he said.
He hopes the support of the volunteer team can further strengthen the work of West Manggarai KPA to expand information and education for the community.
He also called for a strong commitment from all stakeholders to eliminate HIV/AIDS cases in West Manggarai and the bad stigma against PLHIV.
“I hope there will be no more negative stigma against them,” she said.
Read also: Nagekeo Regency Government Ensures People Living With HIV/AIDS Receive Treatment Services
