HIV/AIDS THREATENS BALI'S BADUNG DISTRICT

Denpasar, Bali, March 11 (ANTARA) - The HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission of Bali Province's Badung district reported on Thursday that the deadly disease had infected at least 1,000 residents.

Of the number, 555 patients were known by the public, the Commission's chairman, I Ketut Sudikerta, said here Thursday.

"The revealed HIV/AIDS cases indicate the growing of our people's awareness of protecting themselves," said Sudikerta, also deputy chief of Badung regency.

However, the public awareness campaigns should be continued to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS in Badung and beyond because not all people have well understood about the HIV symptoms, he said.

"With the continuing public campaigns, new HIV/AIDS cases can be curbed. The people should also remain cautious with the danger of the diseases," he said.

Exercising the healthy life style was the best preventive measure that the people could do, Sudikerta said.

As part of its preventive services, Badung regency's HIV/AIDS Eradication Commission had recently conducted a public campaign activity for hundreds of local students and teachers.