In commemoration of World AIDS Day, RSUDZA Internal Medicine Specialist, dr. Masra Lena Siregar, SpPD-KPTI, FINASIM, highlighted the crucial challenges in handling HIV/AIDS in Aceh and Indonesia.
In a dialogue on radio, in Banda Aceh, Saturday (7/12/2025), dr. Masra emphasized that the main focus must be directed at public education and eliminating stigma.
STIGMA AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
According to Dr. Masra, the root of the low early detection rate is social stigma and discrimination that are still strong.
As a result, stigma causes many people to be afraid to get checked or start therapy, so cases are often discovered too late and patients are already experiencing serious complications.
So the solution is that public education must be expanded, especially regarding transmission methods, prevention and the benefits of therapy, so that people have the correct understanding.
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN HANDLING
Although the challenge of stigma still exists, Dr. Masra assesses that the development of HIV treatment in Indonesia is quite encouraging.
Access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs is now more equitable and easier to reach, including in Aceh.
Strengthening service networks, from primary health facilities to referral hospitals, continues to be carried out to improve the quality of life of PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS).
Dr. Masra emphasized that with appropriate and routine therapy, people with HIV can live healthy and productive lives.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINE SCREENING AND COLLABORATION
Dr Masra also urged the public, especially at-risk groups, not to be afraid of carrying out routine screening.
“Early examination can prevent wider transmission and allow patients to start therapy before their condition deteriorates. All services are carried out by maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality,” he stressed.
HOPE ON WORLD AIDS DAY
Closing the dialogue, Dr. Masra emphasized that the fight against HIV/AIDS requires total collaboration from the government, health workers, media and all levels of society.
The final hope of this effort is that Indonesia can achieve the target’zero new infection, zero discrimination, dan zero AIDS-related death‘. (H-1)
