Some 305 People in Minahasa Affected by HIV/AIDS

Health Office of Minahasa District in North Sulawesi Province has reported that around 305 people had been infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) until 2017.

“Based on the data, there are about 305 Minahasans infected with HIV / AIDS, out of a total of 73 people with HIV and 232 AIDS. In fact, the first patient was detected in 1997,” Manager of HIV / AIDS Program of Minahasa Meity Wetik said here on Thursday.

Meity said the people have been detected with HIV / AIDS disease since 1997 when Minahasa has not been known well. The local people were detected positive at the Bethesda Tomohon Hospital, thus this hospital became the site of the establishment of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT).

“So, the first patient was found when Minahasa was still intact and had not been divided. Because of the finding, the official immediately established a counseling and testing HIV / AIDS place,” she said.

She further said the data was conducted from the North Sulawesi Provincial Health Office that showed the number of HIV / AIDS patients. Each regions retrieved the data as the grip.

“Data from the North Sulawesi Provincial Health Office that became our grip when anyone wants to ask or know the patient information,” she stated.

Indeed, she said, until now Minahasa District does not have VCT clinic to conduct HIV / AIDS disease test.

“We do not have a disease detection tool or VCT clinic yet,” she revealed.

Despite the lack of detection equipment, in 2018 it will open inspection services in all Community Health Centers. The check will be comprehensive and free.

“The main target of the check up is pregnant women referring to a letter from the Health Minister,” she added.

Mety said the disease can be transmitted through blood or fluids which its period of transmission in the range of 10 to 15 years.

“The disease can be transmitted through blood and fluids. Usually, people detected of HIV / AIDS has several characteristics, such as loss of body immunity and getting sick easily,” she conveyed.

She urged the local people in Minahasa not to doubt to check up if they feel any indications.

“Do not be ashamed to check yourself, they free to go to the medical staff or doctor to get consultation,” she said.

Minahasans are expected to be better in maintaining their health to avoid this disease.
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Courtesy : AntaraNews.com
Photo : voa.islam.com

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