Based on data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in March 2017, the number of HIV sufferers in Indonesia reached 242,699 people, of which 87,453 people were AIDS sufferers. The majority of people living with HIV/AIDS are those of productive age (20-29 years).
The community must be familiar when they hear the word HIV. However, do they understand what the HIV virus is, how it is transmitted, and how to handle it. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 cells (T cells). These cells are part of the immune system which is responsible for fighting infection.
HIV is different from AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of long-term HIV infection. HIV sufferers are declared to have AIDS when the number of CD4 cells in the body decreases to less than 200 cells per 1 ml or cc of blood. People affected by AIDS have a very weak immune system so they are very susceptible to various diseases.
The HIV virus can be transmitted under certain conditions, such as through blood, needles, sperm, or vaginal fluids from an infected person into another person's body. However, this does not mean that people with HIV must be shunned or isolated. HIV transmission cannot occur through skin contact such as shaking hands or hugging and also does not occur through saliva.
Until now there is no drug that can completely cure the HIV virus. But that does not mean HIV sufferers cannot live long. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can help people with HIV live healthier and longer lives. These drugs can reduce the amount of virus in the blood until it is undetectable, reduce the risk of HIV transmission, and prevent opportunistic infections from worsening. Although it has not been able to completely cure HIV, ARVs can reduce mortality, reduce pain and improve the quality of life of sufferers.
*summarized from various sources*