(11/18/2012)
In an effort to curve Bali’s raising rate of HIV infection, a team from the Denpasar Health Department and the Karung Taruna Group have launched an educational campaign aimed at local “Kafes” that often serve as fronts for prostitution.
Conducted behind closed doors for employees at Kafes and nightspots, participants were shown photos of the physical toll of HIV/AIDS infection and advised on safe sex practices.
Quoted by NusaBali, many of the workers admitted that while they had heard of HIV/AIDS, but had little practical information on the disease and the means of prevention.
Records maintained by the province of Bali from 1987 until 2011 estimate 4,464 cases of HIV/AIDS exist on the island from which 392 deaths have been recorded.
The Health Service for Bali’s capital of Denpasar estimates 1,980 cases of HIV/AIDS in the metropolitan area.
Separately, Bali Peduli estimates for Bali:
- HIV rates among drug users are 65-90%
- HIV rates are growing fastest among gay men – from 2% to 18% over the last 8 years
- Estimates for Bali alone are at 15% for men who have sex with men between the ages of 17-25 are HIV+
- HIV rates among female sex workers are estimated17-35%
- HIV rates among transgender on Bali are greater than 45%
[
Bali Peduli Website]
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