Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks white blood cells, leading to a decline in the human immune system. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a collection of disease symptoms that arise due to a weakened immune system caused by HIV infection. Adolescents are one of the groups at high risk for HIV/AIDS transmission. In 2022, 480,000 people aged between 10 and 24 were infected with HIV, and 140,000 of them were adolescents aged between 10 and 19. The lack of knowledge among adolescents about HIV/AIDS is one of the underlying factors for the annual increase in HIV/AIDS cases among this age group. With the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS among adolescents, there is a need for promotional and preventive efforts across all age groups, especially adolescents.
In its outreach activities, Westerlaken Foundation promotes and prevents HIV/AIDS by enhancing education on students' understanding and knowledge related to HIV/AIDS. The provided outreach materials include the definition of HIV/AIDS, symptoms and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS treatment.
The HIV/AIDS program by Westerlaken Foundation emphasizes educating adolescents to always avoid risky behaviors that can transmit HIV/AIDS, such as abstaining from sexual intercourse before marriage, not changing sexual partners, using condoms as contraceptives, not using drugs, avoiding illegal substances and alcohol consumption, and always educating themselves and those around them about HIV/AIDS and its prevention.
From April to May 2024, Westerlaken Alliance Indonesia Foundation has conducted regular outreach in several schools throughout Bali, targeting ages 12 to 18 years. A total of 308 children received HIV/AIDS outreach for the 12-year age group in elementary schools, and 127 children received outreach targeting ages 13 to 18 in junior high (SMP) and senior high schools (SMA). The outreach was conducted using audiovisual methods, providing education through picture books for the 12-year age group and PowerPoint presentations for ages 13 to 18.
Westerlaken Foundation hopes to continue providing education about HIV/AIDS to all adolescents in the Bali province, including in remote village schools, to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission and avoid discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (ODHA).
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