0 Clinics offering voluntary HIV tests inaugurated

Two clinics offering the Voluntary Counseling Test (VCT) for HIV/AIDS in Sukawati and Tegalalang were inaugurated on Monday. Each of the clinics is supported by trained human resources, as well as having adequate facilities provided by the AIDS Treatment Commission. Head of Sukawati public health, Ni Ketut Sutiarini, said that VCT was crucial to facilitate people undergoing an HIV test, as well as to provide therapy for those who infected. 

“VCT also helps to diminish the stigma against persons with HIV/AIDS, and eases their access to various health services,” said Sutiarini. Gianyar Deputy Regent Dewa Made Sutanaya, also chairman of the KPA (AIDS Commission) in the regency, said he expected the clinics would be operated properly to minimize the spread of HIV/AIDS. “We hope that people who feel that they belong to a group at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS will come to the clinic and undergo the voluntary test,” he said. 

The number of HIV/AIDS cases has increased every year. In 2010, there were 181 cases with 23 fatalities. In 2011, this increased to 405 cases with 30 fatalities. As of April last year, the recorded number of persons with HIV/AIDS reached 454.

source : bali daily