Indonesia's HIV Cases Decline, But AIDS Cases Rise

The Ministry of Health reported a 16.5% decrease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, from 50,282 in 2019 to 41,987 in 2020. Conversely, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases increased by 22.78%, from 7,036 in 2019 to 8,639 in 2020.

Reported HIV sufferers were predominantly of working and older ages. The highest number of sufferers were in the 25-49 age range, accounting for 69.9% in 2020. This was followed by the 20-24 age range (15.8%) and those over 50 (9.1%).

Meanwhile, 2.9% of HIV sufferers were aged 15-19, and 1.5% were under 4 years old. The smallest percentage of reported HIV sufferers was in the 5-14 age range, at 0.8%.

The majority of reported AIDS sufferers were of working age. The highest percentage was in the 30-39 age range (33%) and 20-29 age range (31%). This was followed by the 40-49 age range (18.8%) and 50-59 age range (8.3%). The next highest number of AIDS sufferers were among the elderly population (2.5%).

Minor AIDS sufferers accounted for 3.8% in the 15-19 age range, 1.2% in the 5-14 age range, and 0.9% in the 1-4 age range. Finally, only 0.1% of AIDS sufferers were under one year old.

People infected with HIV require Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to suppress the amount of HIV in their bodies. Suppressed viruses are less likely to be transmitted to others, and individuals maintain a better quality of life.

Individuals experiencing HIV symptoms require early treatment to prevent progression to advanced HIV (AIDS). Earlier treatment reduces risks such as immune deficiency and death.