Jayapura, Jubi – Head of the HIV/AIDS Section of the Papua Health Office Rindang Pribadi Marahaba said that until the end of September 2022, there were 7,941 HIV/AIDS patients in Papua undergoing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The number is relatively small compared to active HIV/AIDS cases which reached 46,363 patients.
Rindang admitted that the number of people living with HIV/AIDS who routinely undergo ARV treatment was relatively small compared to the number of active cases in Papua. He said the Papua Health Office was working to make health centers in the region more active in providing ARV services to patients.
According to Rindang, the small number of ARV-treated patients was due to several factors, including the stigma received by people living with HIV/AIDS. Many also failed to receive ARV treatment because they don’t have access to transportation to go to hospitals.
There are at least 60 independent ARV services spread across the four provinces in Papua island. In addition, there are also 228 HIV testing services.
Rindang explained on Tuesday, January 3, 2022, data from the Papua Health Office records that the number of people who routinely consume ARVs is 3,375 people in Papua Province. They are spread across Biak Numfor Regency (33), Jayapura Regency (831), Keerom Regency (72), Yapen Islands Regency (276), Jayapura City (2,121), and Supiori Regency (42).
In addition, there are 2,413 patients consuming ARV in Central Papua Province. They are located in Mimika Regency (1,052), Nabire Regency (997) and Paniai Regency (364).
There are also 1,519 HIV/AIDS patients who routinely take ARVs in Mountainous Papua Province spread across Jayawijaya Regency (1,180), Bintang Mountains Regency (118), Puncak Jaya Regency (159), Yahukimo Regency (30), and Yalimo Regency (32).
Meanwhile, the number of HIV/AIDS patients in South Papua Province who are actively taking ARVs is 634 people. They are located in Asmat District (21), Boven Digoel District (48), Mappi District (48), and Merauke District (517). (*)
