Dozens of street children (anjal) and students from underprivileged families underwent VCT (Vocational Child Protection) tests.Voluntary Counseling Test) at Griya Baca located on Kyai Tamin street gang 1c number 20 Malang City, Saturday (17/12). This activity was carried out to follow up on the many HIV/AIDS sufferers in Malang City who are already in a worrying stage.
The VCT test is a test to check whether someone has been infected with the HIV/AIDS virus or not. To conduct this test, Griya Baca collaborated with nursing faculty at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) and the Islamic Hospital (RSI) Unisma. "In addition to conducting blood tests, we also provide a place for residents who want to consult about AIDS," said Dedi Darwanto, a member of the RSI Unisma VCT team.
He added that the blood tests were conducted on street children and students from underprivileged families who were already teenagers. However, it is also possible that blood tests will be conducted on children. "Because it is possible for a child to be infected with the HIV virus from their parents who used to have unhealthy sexual behavior," said Desriyanti Gita, one of the administrators of Griya Baca.
That is why in addition to conducting VCT tests, the committee also provided counseling to street children and poor students regarding healthy sexual behavior. Among them, prevention of free sex, and the use of protective equipment during intercourse.
It is known that the city of Malang has a worrying status in terms of HIV/AIDS sufferers. Currently, 1865 residents have been recorded as having positive HIV/AIDS status. Every month this number will continue to increase by around 20-30 people. "Most of the increase in the number of HIV/AIDS sufferers is due to unhealthy sexual behavior and drugs," added Dedi. (say/dmb)
