Reporter: Ashwin | Editor: Benjamin
TENGGARONG – Commemoration of World AIDS Day at Kutai Kartanegara (Kukar) District Level 2025 was held at Taman Tanjong, Panji Village, Tenggarong, Sunday (7/12/2025).
This activity is a momentum to unite movements in efforts to prevent the transmission and treatment of HIV AIDS in Kukar.
The event organized by the Kukar Regional AIDS Prevention Commission (KPAD) carried the theme “Together Facing Change, Maintaining the Sustainability of HIV Services”.
This theme reflects the enthusiasm to rise above various obstacles in overcoming HIV, while encouraging policy transformation, strategy and cross-sector collaboration to achieve the target of Ending AIDS 2030.
Assistant I for Government and Social Affairs of the Regional Secretariat of Kukar, Akhmad Taufik Hidayat, when reading the written remarks of the Regent of Kukar, Aulia Rahman Basri expressed his appreciation for holding the peak of the commemoration.
He highlighted the trend of increasing HIV AIDS cases in Kukar in the last four years.
Data shows that the number of sufferers continues to increase, namely 325 people in 2022, increasing to 410 people in 2023, 428 people in 2024 and reaching 510 people in 2025.
“This number is the result of screening and it is estimated that the actual cases are greater due to the iceberg phenomenon,” he concluded.
Akhmad Taufik added that it is hoped that this warning will increase public attention to the global funding crisis and the importance of transforming HIV AIDS programs at the national and regional levels.
He also emphasized the need for inclusive, evidence-based and human rights-oriented policies in dealing with HIV AIDS.
He expressed his appreciation to communities and development partners who have contributed to maintaining achievements and expanding services, especially for key populations, special populations and vulnerable populations.
Community support is also considered important for eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as strengthening social solidarity and cross-sector synergy.
Furthermore, KPAD Kukar will continue to intensify the outreach of HIV AIDS prevention to all levels of society, including school and university students.
Education in schools is considered very important to provide an understanding of transmission patterns, prevention, and efforts to reduce stigma towards PLWHA.
“We need to build and cultivate Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS). PHBS can strengthen the body’s immunity and reduce the risk of transmission through personal hygiene, as well as avoiding risk factors such as sharing needles or illegal drugs,” he stressed.
He said practices such as healthy eating patterns, regular exercise, not smoking and education about safe sex are part of PHBS which can protect society, especially the younger generation, from the threat of HIV AIDS.
