Transmission of HIV in Jayapura Rose Up

Sentani (Antara Bali) - Known cases of transmission of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from mothers to babies rose in the district of Jayapura, Papua.

Purnomo, the secretary of the district HIV/AID Control Commission (KPA), said in 2012 there were only 25 children below five years known to be infected by HIV in the district.

"By September this year, the number has increased  to 31 cases," Purnopmo told Antara news agency here on Tuesday.

He said women were victims in 718 cases  or 53.7 percent of the total number of 1,338 HIV/AIDS cases known in Jayapura until September 2013, and 50.42 percent of the women were household mothers.

The number of children below 5 years in age infected by HIV has increased  although there has been a program of PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission) in each health center  and hospitals in the regency of Jayapura, he said.

"There is even  the program of  PITC (Provider Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling) given by health officers," he said.  
    
He said the growing number of cases detected  would mean more people are saved from the fatal disease. "Hopefully the growing number indicates that improved performance in health care ," he said.

However, it could also  be an indication that there are bigger number of unknown cases,  he added.

"It could be just a tip of the iceberg  that what is visible is only a small part of big unknown cases," he said. (*/DWA)