Inclusive Services and Collaboration: The Key to Combating HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system. This virus is transmitted through contact with body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.

The HIV virus infects the body in several stages. In the acute phase, symptoms have not yet appeared even though the virus has already attacked the immune system. In the chronic phase, the immune system begins to decline, marked by patients experiencing coughing, diarrhea, or fever, as well as sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts, herpes, or slow-healing genital sores.

If left untreated, HIV can progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) within approximately 10 years. AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection, is characterized by an immune system that can no longer fight off illnesses.

Based on data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, HIV prevalence in Indonesia is estimated to reach 0.7% or approximately 1.96 million people. However, identification coverage only reached 564,000 people living with HIV in 2025.

HIV control is carried out through identification, expanding treatment, and eliminating social stigma in the community.

As of October 2025, a total of 259,719 people (67%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 144,747 tested individuals showed viral suppression. Indonesia itself is pursuing the target of ending AIDS by 2030 through the Triple 95 goal: 95% knowing their status, 95% receiving treatment, and 95% of those treated achieving viral suppression.

Healthcare workers and communities play a vital role in expanding service access for detection, patient accompaniment, and treatment access for the broader public. Nevertheless, many people remain reluctant to visit healthcare facilities for testing due to social stigma.

The Indonesian Government will strengthen surveillance, drug availability, and comprehensive community-based health promotion.

Efforts to expand access to treatment services for people living with HIV are starting to show progress in various regions. Community health center teams have also received training, enabling them to provide quality care to patients.

Furthermore, HIV/AIDS control requires the involvement of various stakeholders, ranging from the government to communities.

Local governments collaborate with communities and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to expand prevention services, early detection, and support for people living with HIV. CSOs serve as the frontline in identifying new cases, assisting people living with HIV, and acting as bridges to healthcare and social service access.

CSOs play a crucial role in reaching hard-to-reach key populations, providing education, and supporting people living with HIV to ensure sustainable health and social care access. This step accelerates the achievement of HIV/AIDS control targets while fostering a healthy, inclusive, and stigma-free environment.

(Photo by Nappy in Unsplash.)