HIV/AIDS Cases in Bondowoso Surge to 1,483, DPRD Urges Expanded Screening
Bondowoso, Indonesia is seeing a rise in HIV/AIDS cases, with 155 new infections reported in 2025. This brings the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the regency to 1,483, according to a recent meeting between the TB-HIV Task Force, the Bondowoso Health Office, and Commission IV of the Bondowoso Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD).
The new cases were identified through ongoing screening, tracing, and tracking efforts. The infections span all age groups, including a especially concerning four cases in children under four years old.
Here’s a breakdown of the new cases by age group:
- Under 4 years old: 4 cases
- 15-19 years old: 5 cases
- 20-24 years old: 14 cases
- 25-49 years old: 106 cases
- Over 50 years old: 26 cases
Funky Indraayu Shanti,chair of the Bondowoso TB-HIV Task Force,explained that infections in young children are typically the result of mother-to-child transmission. She emphasized that this risk can be considerably reduced if mothers living with HIV/AIDS consistently receive antiretroviral therapy from the beginning of pregnancy.
“Some find out their status too late, and others aren’t compliant with their medication or stop taking it altogether,” shanti said.
The increase in cases among adolescents is linked to risky behaviors, including same-sex sexual activity, according to Shanti.