Some 8,000 in SE Sulawesi at Risk of Contracting HIV/AIDS

Southeast Sulawesi has an estimated total of 8,000 people spread in 10 districts and two cities who are at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, a local health official said.

Amin Yohanis, head of South Sulawesi’s public health office, said here Saturday, the people at risk of contracting the deadly disease consisted of commercial sex workers, waitresses in a number of nightclubs and ship crew members who are frequent visitors of night entertainment spots, practitioners of free sex and intravenous drug addicts.

"They are at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. We urge them to take blood tests at general hospitals so that they can be immediately given medical help if they prove to be infected," he said.

He said there was no need to feel worried about taking the blood test for HIV/AIDS at general hospitals because the identity of an infected person would be kept confidential.

"Moreover, the blood test is free of charge. If a person tests positive for HIV/AIDS, the hospital will provide medical services and medicine free of charge," Amin said.

According to Amin , during the period January-August 2011, a total of 26 people in Southeast Sulawesi were detected to be suffering from HIV/AIDS. Of the number, 12 had AIDS and 14 HIV.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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