Yogyakarta Takes Steps to Combat Rising HIV Cases Ahead of World AIDS Day
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – As World AIDS Day approaches, the Indonesian Association of Dermatology and Venereology Specialists (Perdoski) is joining forces with local health authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of HIV and AIDS in Yogyakarta.
Stewart Rosmelia, chairperson of Perdoski Jogja, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of HIV cases in Indonesia. "We’re seeing over 30,000 new cases each year," she stated. "Without intervention, this crisis will only worsen, placing a heavy burden not only on our healthcare system and society, but also on those living with the disease."
Rosmelia emphasized the crucial role of early detection and proper treatment in preventing HIV from progressing to AIDS. "We need national prevention campaigns," she stressed. "Here in Yogyakarta, individuals aged 15 to 25 are particularly vulnerable. That’s why we must prioritize safe sex practices, ensure access to clean needles, and implement early testing programs for pregnant women."
The Perdoski Jogja initiative coincides with a series of events planned throughout the city. Led by Dr. Dinda Saraswati, the Activities Committee has organized marches, flash mobs, and even outreach programs in schools such as SMKN 3 Jogja to educate young people about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The effort enjoys strong support from the DIY Health Service, which mobilized 90 healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, young doctors, and students, to participate in the campaign.
"After our flash mob, we offered free skin and blood sugar consultations," explained Saraswati.
Setiyo Harini, the Head of Disease Control Department at the DIY Health Service, praised Perdoski Jogja for its proactive efforts. "This is an extremely important initiative," he remarked. "We hope to see these activities become a regular occurrence and encourage wider participation. Our national theme for World AIDS Day – ‘Equal Rights for All, Together We Can’ – reminds us that 95% of individuals should know their HIV status and receive appropriate treatment."
Harini also highlighted the critical need to combat stigma against HIV/AIDS patients. "We need to target the disease, not the person," he emphasized. "Only then will individuals feel empowered to get tested and receive the care they deserve."
2024-12-01 06:07:00
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## Yogyakarta Takes Action: Combating Rising HIV Cases Ahead of World AIDS Day
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – With world AIDS Day approaching on December 1st, concerns are growing over the rise in HIV cases in Indonesia. The Indonesian Association of Dermatology and Venereology Specialists (Perdoski) in Yogyakarta is spearheading a extensive campaign to raise awareness, promote prevention, and encourage early testing.We spoke to **Dr.Stewart Rosmelia**, chairperson of perdoski Jogja, and **Dr. Dinda Saraswati**, head of the association’s Activities Committee, to delve deeper into this critical issue.
This interview will explore the alarming statistics behind the HIV epidemic in Indonesia, the innovative initiatives being undertaken in Yogyakarta, and the expert insights on how to effectively combat stigma and ensure accessible care for those living with the virus.
### A Growing Crisis: The State of HIV in Indonesia
**Dr. Rosmelia, the numbers paint a concerning picture.Can you elaborate on the extent of the HIV epidemic in indonesia? **
**Dr. rosmelia:** The situation is indeed serious. We are seeing a disturbing trend of over 30,000 new HIV cases being reported annually. Without proactive intervention and awareness campaigns,this epidemic will continue to escalate,putting a significant strain on our healthcare system.
**This rise in cases is particularly worrying. What are the key factors contributing to this trend, and what demographics are most affected?**
**Dr. Rosmelia:** several factors are at play, including limited access to prevention programs, inadequate sexual and reproductive health education, and persistent stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, which often discourages individuals from seeking testing and treatment. In Yogyakarta, our focus is on the 15 to 25 age group, as they are particularly vulnerable and frequently enough lack comprehensive knowledge about safe sex practices.
### Taking Action: Perdoski Jogja’s Multi-Faceted Campaign
**Dr.saraswati, perdoski Jogja is actively working to address this crisis.Could you tell us more about the campaign’s specific goals and activities?**
**Dr. Saraswati:** Our campaign aims to raise awareness about the risks of HIV/AIDS, promote preventive measures, and encourage early testing. we’ve organized a series of events throughout the city, including marches, flash mobs, and educational outreach programs in schools like SMKN 3 Jogja. We believe engaging youth through interactive and informative methods is crucial.
**How is Perdoski Jogja promoting access to testing and treatment?**
**Dr. Saraswati:** Alongside educational programs, we’ve partnered with the DIY Health Service to offer free HIV and blood sugar consultations after our events. We want to make testing readily available and eliminate any financial barriers.
### A Collaborative Effort: Engaging the Community and the Healthcare System
**Dr.Rosmelia, how crucial is collaboration with local authorities and healthcare organizations in tackling this issue?**
**Dr.rosmelia:** Collaboration is absolutely essential. We are grateful for the strong support from the DIY Health Service, which has mobilized healthcare professionals to participate in our campaign. this combined effort allows us to reach a wider audience and maximize our impact.
**What message would you like to convey to the public on World AIDS Day? **
**Dr. Rosmelia:**
>“Equal Rights for All, Together We Can” is the national theme for World AIDS Day, and it resonates deeply with our mission. We urge everyone to get informed about HIV/AIDS, break down the stigma surrounding the disease, and support those living with HIV. Knowing your HIV status is crucial, and seeking timely treatment can considerably improve outcomes.
### Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As world AIDS Day approaches, it’s a critical time to reflect on the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS and acknowledge the challenges that remain. Perdoski Jogja’s tireless efforts in Yogyakarta serve as a model for community-led initiatives aimed at preventing new infections, promoting early detection, and ensuring access to care. The expert insights shared by Dr. Rosmelia and Dr. Saraswati emphasize the urgency of addressing this public health crisis by fostering a culture of awareness, inclusivity, and compassion.
Let us all commit to playing our part in ending the HIV epidemic.
**What are your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities in the fight against HIV/AIDS? Share your insights in the comments below.**
**For more facts on HIV/AIDS and World AIDS Day, visit [insert relevant links].**
