Bandung Youth Tackle HIV/AIDS: Awareness & Prevention Efforts 2026
Efforts to combat HIV and AIDS in the city of Bandung, Indonesia, are being bolstered through increased engagement of its youth population. This initiative was highlighted during the “Tebar Cinta Akhiri AIDS” (Spreading Love, Ending AIDS) event, held on January 22, 2026, at Gedung Abdjan Soelaeman, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung.
A Collaborative Approach to Public Health
The event, a collaboration between Baznas Kota Bandung, the Bandung City AIDS Commission (KPA), and the Bandung City Government, specifically targeted university students for health education and awareness regarding HIV and AIDS. Baznas Kota Bandung’s Chairman, Akhmad Roziqin, emphasized that addressing public health issues, including HIV and AIDS, is a core responsibility of the organization.
Prioritizing Community Wellbeing
According to Roziqin, Baznas is mandated to fulfill five basic community needs: health, religion, social welfare, economics, and education. He stated, “The health of the people of Bandung City is a priority for Baznas. The funds used come from the people of Bandung City and are returned for the benefit of the residents of Bandung City.”
The program’s continuation is deemed essential, as Roziqin noted that HIV, AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria remain significant public health challenges. Baznas employs a four-pronged approach to health – preventative, curative, rehabilitative, and promotive – with the UIN SGD Bandung event focusing on the promotive aspect through increased awareness among young people.
Combating Stigma and Promoting Empathy
Roziqin stressed the importance of not only understanding HIV and AIDS but also fostering empathy and eliminating stigma and discrimination towards those living with the conditions. He believes that prevention and mutual respect must go hand-in-hand.
Dadan Mulyana Kosasih, Acting Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Bandung City Health Department, representing the Head of the Bandung City Health Department, underscored that tackling HIV and AIDS requires collaboration across multiple sectors, extending beyond purely medical interventions.
Current Status and Future Goals
The HIV situation in Bandung is currently described as “controlled” with a positive trend in containment, although not yet fully stabilized. As of 2025, approximately 80% of people living with HIV in Bandung are aware of their status, 63% are receiving treatment, and 45% have achieved viral load suppression.
The city aims to achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2030 – 95% of people with HIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed receiving treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. Challenges to reaching these goals include treatment adherence and difficulties in viral load testing.
Furthermore, HIV testing rates at health facilities in Bandung continue to rise, indicating growing public awareness. Over 100,000 HIV tests were conducted through November 2025, with a positivity rate of approximately 1.04%, and the majority of cases detected among individuals aged 20-49.
The Bandung City Health Department hopes that through events like “Tebar Cinta Akhiri AIDS,” students will become agents of change and information disseminators, spreading accurate understanding of HIV and AIDS within their campuses and communities. Kosasih concluded by emphasizing the importance of a “pentahelix” collaboration – involving government, academia, community, business, media, and the public – in building a healthy and empowered Bandung.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Tebar Cinta Akhiri AIDS” program?
“Tebar Cinta Akhiri AIDS” (Spreading Love, Ending AIDS) is a program initiated by Baznas Kota Bandung in collaboration with KPA Kota Bandung and the Bandung City Government, focused on educating and raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, particularly among students.
What percentage of people with HIV in Bandung are currently receiving treatment?
As of 2025, approximately 63 percent of people living with HIV in Bandung are undergoing treatment.
What is the 95-95-95 target?
The 95-95-95 target is an ambitious goal set for 2030, aiming for 95% of people with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
Considering the collaborative efforts underway, what role do you believe community-based organizations can play in achieving the 95-95-95 targets for HIV/AIDS control?