New HIV/AIDS Cases Surface In Batam

Batam, Sumatra, Dec 3 (ANTARA) - Batam`s AIDS Management Board (KPA) came across 423 new HIV/AIDS cases in the city between January and November 2012, according to Pieter Pureklolong, spokesman for KPA. "The number of HIV/AIDS cases has increased since 2011. In 2011, the number of HIV/AIDS cases stood at 397, but this year, the number has increased to 423," said Pieter, on Monday. He noted that out of the 423 cases, 254 cases are related to AIDS. However, in 2011, only 151 out of the 397 cases were linked to AIDS. "These are not the exact figures because there are a number of people in the city who have refused to take the AIDS/HIV test," he said. According to him, the first HIV/AIDS case in Batam emerged in 1992, and since then, the number of people with HIV/AIDS has been on the rise every year. "From 1992 to 1999, HIV and AIDS were caused by promiscuous sexual practices. From 2000 to 2007, AIDS and HIV were caused by drugs and hypodermic needles, and since 2007, the diseases have been spreading because of promiscuous sexual practices," Pieter noted.