Public Relations (9/12/2022) | World AIDS Day, celebrated every December 1, is one of a series of days commemorating the 16 Days of Anti-Violence Against Women (HAKTP). Therefore, the 16 HAKTP activity initiated by BEM FH UNAIR held a webinar entitled “Men, Woman, vs AIDS”. Mr. Julian from the Indonesian AIDS Foundation was invited as a speaker at the webinar.
Julian explained that people with HIV-AIDS (ODHA) have existed in every province in Indonesia since the arrival of HIV-AIDS in Indonesia in 1987. He focused on how society should respond to this phenomenon. Of course, community participation related to AIDS raises awareness to reduce myths, stigma, and discrimination at every level of society.
“AIDS in Indonesia is still an iceberg phenomenon. It means that what is detected with the actual number is a big difference,” said Julian.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Julian said that this virus attacks the immune system in humans, making the body vulnerable to disease attacks. In the body, there are white blood cells whose job is to protect the body from attacks by bacteria, viruses, and germs. With the presence of HIV in the body, the white blood cells will be destroyed.
“HIV exists in 4 fluid media: blood fluid, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and sperm fluid. Therefore, the transmission of HIV is usually through acts such as blood transfusions, tattoo needles, and sex. One thing that must be understood is that HIV will not be transmitted through holding hands, hugging, or eating together,” said the member of the NGO.
Julian said that prevention of AIDS in the community can be done through the ABCDE technique. A means abstinence which means not having sexual relations before marriage. B is to be faithful, namely, not changing partners in sexual intercourse. C is using a condom when having sexual intercourse.
“D means don’t use drugs; don’t ever become a drug user. Especially medications that use needles. The last is education, which means we must find accurate information regarding HIV-AIDS, said Julian.
