Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - Wednesday, 6 November 1996
"The most suitable method for us is counselling and not distributing condoms," Suyudi told a meeting of the Indonesian Medical Association on Tuesday.
But he said the government would distribute condoms in red light districts.
HIV is the virus which causes Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. HIV kills or impairs cells of the immune system, destroying the body's ability to fight infection.
Indonesia's family planning programme to control the growth of its more than 196 million population emphasises the use of oral or implant contraceptives for married couples.
While condoms are widely available throughout Indonesia, they are not promoted by the government because of concerns by religious leaders in its mostly Moslem population who believe condoms would promote promiscuity among young people.
Suyudi said Indonesia's latest official toll of those suffering from HIV/AIDS was 465. Of these, 110 were cases of full-blown AIDS. So far, 60 people had died of AIDS in Indonesia, Suyudi added.
Health workers, however, say the real figures are likely to be much higher than the official toll as the latter comprises only reported cases.
The World Health Organisation has said as many as 50,000 people in Indonesia may be HIV infected, but the virus is only detected when it develops into AIDS.
Last month, a study by a group at the University of Indonesia said between 12,000 and 31,000 people died each year of AIDS.
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