HIV Cases in Indonesia: A Growing Concern for children and Infants
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Recent data from the Natuna Health Service reveals a troubling trend: between 2017 and 2024, 48 HIV cases and 1 AIDS case were recorded, bringing the total to 49 cases. Alarmingly, six of these cases involve children, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
Addressing the issue of HIV transmission in children remains a critical priority for the Indonesian government. according to Dr. Dwinanda Aidina Fitrani, a pediatrician at RSAB Harapan Kita, the number of HIV cases transmitted from mother to child in Indonesia has decreased from approximately 50,000 in 2023 to 30,000 in 2024. Though, she emphasized that this reduction is not considerable enough, as new infections in children continue to occur.
“But the decline is not much and the point is that there are still new HIV cases in children. Even though we want to stop transmission, don’t let there be new infections in children,”
Dr. Dwinanda Aidina Fitrani
Dr. Dwinanda explained that HIV transmission can occur both vertically (from mother to child) and horizontally (through sexual intercourse, shared needles, or transfusions). Vertical transmission typically happens during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, while horizontal transmission affects individuals through other means. Currently, most new pediatric HIV cases involve children aged 5 and above, indicating that teenagers are also at risk.
“Indeed, almost 90% of transmission is mostly from mother to child, but the rest of the transmission can occur horizontally. So our children, from zero to 18 years old, are still children. Teenagers who we consider are not children actually still have to be checked by a pediatrician because they are still registered as pediatric cases,” Dr. Dwinanda noted during a talk show on RSAB harapan Kita’s Instagram.
Identifying and Addressing HIV in Children
HIV symptoms in children differ significantly from those in adults due to their developing immune systems. Dr. Dwinanda explained that children often exhibit severe symptoms more rapidly, such as persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, fungal infections, recurrent wound infections, and lung infections. “If the symptoms last less than a year, maybe you should be aware that these are HIV symptoms,” she cautioned.
Prevention efforts must begin with pregnant women, as early screening and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to their babies. Dr. Dwinanda emphasized the importance of HIV testing during pregnancy, ideally in the third trimester, to ensure timely intervention. “but the point remains that babies must be given preventative antivirals for 6 weeks or several months,” she concluded.
The Role of Antenatal Care in HIV Prevention
Professor Ari Probandari,a principal researcher at Gadjah Mada University’s Faculty of Medicine,Public Health,and nursing,echoed these sentiments. He stressed that antenatal care (ANC) services play a pivotal role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating HIV in pregnant women. ”HIV transmission from pregnant women to their babies could be prevented. The condition is that pregnant women undergo an HIV test early and start antiretroviral therapy (ARV) if necessary,” he explained.
The fight against HIV in Indonesia requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on early detection, prevention, and thorough care for both mothers and children.As the data shows, the battle is far from over, but with targeted interventions and increased awareness, the country can make meaningful strides in reducing new HIV infections among its youngest citizens.
For more facts on HIV prevention and treatment, visit our resources page.
Interview: Tackling HIV in Indonesia – A Focus on Children and Infants
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Dr. Dwinanda Aidina Fitrani, a renowned pediatrician at RSAB Harapan kita, to discuss the growing concern of HIV cases in Indonesia, particularly among children and infants. With recent data revealing a troubling trend, Dr.Dwinanda shares insights on prevention strategies, the role of antenatal care, and the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect vulnerable populations.
The Current State of HIV Cases in Indonesia
Senior Editor: Dr. Dwinanda, thank you for joining us today. The recent data from the Natuna Health Service shows a concerning rise in HIV cases, particularly among children. Can you provide some context on this trend?
Dr. Dwinanda: Certainly. Between 2017 and 2024,we recorded 48 HIV cases and 1 AIDS case,totaling 49 cases. What’s particularly alarming is that six of these cases involve children.this highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect our most vulnerable populations.
HIV Transmission in Children: vertical vs.Horizontal
Senior Editor: You mentioned that HIV transmission can occur both vertically and horizontally.Can you explain the difference and how it impacts children?
Dr. Dwinanda: Absolutely.Vertical transmission occurs from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is the most common route, accounting for nearly 90% of pediatric HIV cases. However, horizontal transmission can also affect children through means like sexual intercourse, shared needles, or transfusions. Currently, most new pediatric cases involve children aged 5 and above, indicating that teenagers are also at risk.
The Importance of Early Detection and Antenatal Care
Senior Editor: Prevention seems to be key in addressing this issue. What role does antenatal care play in reducing HIV transmission to infants?
Dr. Dwinanda: antenatal care is crucial.Early screening and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Pregnant women should ideally undergo an HIV test in the third trimester, and if positive, start antiretroviral therapy (ARV) immediately. Additionally, babies must be given preventative antivirals for at least 6 weeks to several months to ensure they are protected.
Symptoms and early Intervention in Children
Senior Editor: How do HIV symptoms in children differ from those in adults, and what should parents be aware of?
Dr. Dwinanda: Children frequently enough exhibit more severe symptoms due to their developing immune systems. These can include persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, fungal infections, recurrent wound infections, and lung infections. If these symptoms last for more than a year, parents should be vigilant and consider HIV testing.
The way Forward: Targeted Interventions and Awareness
Senior Editor: What steps can be taken to further reduce HIV infections among children in Indonesia?
Dr. Dwinanda: A multi-faceted approach is essential. This includes early detection through antenatal care, prevention efforts targeting pregnant women, and increased awareness among the general public. By focusing on these areas, we can make meaningful strides in reducing new HIV infections among our youngest citizens.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dwinanda, for your valuable insights. Your expertise is crucial in guiding us toward a future where HIV infections among children are significantly reduced.
Dr. Dwinanda: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical issue,and I hope this conversation helps raise awareness and drives action.
For more details on HIV prevention and treatment, visit our resources page.
