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Being an Active AIDS Care Community Because of the Past
March 11, 2025AIDS Care Community as a Funnel of HIV and AIDS Control Attempts in Leosama Village
What do we do to reduce the stigma and discrimination against PLHIV that still happens in our surroundings? HIV and AIDS education massively is the answer. AIDS Care Community is the most strategic educator, referring to their engagement with people. Leosama AIDS Care Community in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, realized this phenomenon.
Leosama AIDS Care Community Producing the Herbal Massage Oil
Leosama AIDS Care Community was formed by CD Bethesda YAKKUM with Leosama Village Government in 2019. Society is engaged so that they can be involved in the HIV and AIDS control process.
The community's belief that those living with HIV should be kept out of society and, if necessary, shunned posed the first obstacle to the establishment of the AIDS Care Community in Leosama. Not to mention the stigma that HIV and AIDS are a 'curse,' meaning that those who are infected should be avoided and not be allowed a position in the community's daily activities. These have been significant roadblocks in the AIDS Care Community's protracted establishment.
The way of thinking is changing because of the various training and events organized by CD Bethesda. Members have come to realize that people living with HIV and AIDS should be welcomed, not shunned. These individuals need care because, in addition to their physical illnesses, they also experience psychological pressure from being rejected and isolated by their families and communities.
"It was a pleasure for me to witness the growth and development of the AIDS Care Community in Leosama Village. There is a sense of excitement and admiration for the long process of this community in preventing and controlling the transmission of HIV and AIDS in Leosama Village," said one of the AIDS Care Community cadres.
The AIDS Care Community has played a significant role in HIV and AIDS control efforts in Leosama Village. They've organized various activities, including building a shared understanding of HIV and AIDS, providing information to all community members, conducting HIV testing for high-risk groups, and assisting people living with HIV (PLHIV) in getting treatment and adhering to their ARV medication. The community also advocates for and builds networks to secure funding from the Village Fund specifically for HIV and AIDS control.
Local Food and Herbal Massage Oil produced by Leosama AIDS Care Community
In Leosama Village, people no longer avoid PLHIV. They have the opportunity to become regional leaders, such as village chiefs and other village officials. The village administration provides the AIDS Care Community with various forms of support. Furthermore, the village has allocated a budget for HIV and AIDS education among youth. In 2024, there is a planned budget for HIV and AIDS education for society, as well as for the empowerment of the AIDS Care Community and PLHIV through the provision of capital for groups to start their businesses, such as producing massage oil and local food.
Leosama AIDS Care Community Cadre Gave HIV and AIDS Education to the People
The goal of achieving an AIDS-free Indonesia by 2030 necessitates the participation of all stakeholders. The establishment of the Leosama AIDS Care Community for four years marks a significant advancement in promoting HIV and AIDS control. The financial support from village funds for these initiatives is also very encouraging. The Leosama Village WPA is dedicated to achieving self-sufficiency through the sale of massage oil and local food.
(Almada Lasi)
