ATTACK – Deputy Governor of Banten Andika Hazrumy stated that during the current Covid-19 pandemic, concrete efforts were needed to provide inclusive health services for PLWHA (people living with HIV / AIDS-ed).
The Deputy Governor said, citing the results of the UNAIDS Indonesia survey, around 41.1 percent of PLWHA experienced severe anxiety about the possibility of being exposed to Covid-19. Many PLHIV are worried about their own health, worry about the health of family members, worry about the stigma associated with their HIV status, and worry about their ability to get medication.
Therefore, the Deputy Governor asked the Health Office together with the Banten Province Social Service and regencies / cities to work together to help collect data and provide health services to PLWHA both to the nearest health facility and to get medicine.
“Apart from that, basic food assistance and nutritional intake for PLWHA should also be considered. Given the current Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on decreasing purchasing power, “he said while attending the Coordination Meeting of Members of the Banten Province Aids Management Commission (KPA) in the Banten Provincial Health Office Hall, Banten Provincial Government Central Area (KP3B), Curug, Kota. Serang, Tuesday (12/1/2020) received through a written broadcast.
He said, to achieve three zeros, namely zero HIV infection, zero death due to AIDS, and zero stigma and discrimination, a communication, information and education (IEC) program is needed for the community, especially about the HIV virus. Utilization of information technology in the IEC program is expected to build public awareness regarding joint efforts to prevent and control HIV / AIDS in Banten Province.
“Alim ulama and interfaith leaders should be included in the IEC program for HIV / AIDS prevention and control in Banten Province,” suggested the Deputy Governor.
According to the Deputy Governor, the commitment of all parties at the provincial and district and city levels is very important in order to support the implementation of the HIV AIDS prevention and control program in Banten Province.
“Support from the Banten Provincial Government in the form of the implementation of Regional Regulation 6/2010 concerning HIV / AIDS Prevention and Governor Regulation 37/2012 concerning the Position of Duties and Work Procedures of the Banten Province AIDS Prevention Commission, and Governor Regulation 56 of 2017 concerning Bansos Grants for KPA as grant recipients are expected to increase the degree. public health so as to reduce the rate of HIV and AIDS transmission, “said the Deputy Governor.
Even so, he continued, a synergy of all elements is needed in the context of HIV / AIDS prevention and control in Banten Province. From a policy perspective, health service facilities, and non-governmental organizations involved as working partners of the Banten Province KPA must
collaborate and cooperate.
On that occasion, the KPA Banten Program Coordinator, Arief Mulyawan, reported that in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2020, his party had held a socialization activity with the theme Strengthen Collaboration – Increase Solidarity.
He said that this activity aims to strengthen collaboration between all stakeholders and the general public, to be able to move together in breaking the chain of transmission, and work hand in hand to help, and work together in carrying out massive prevention and control of HIV / AIDS.
(Red/SG)
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