PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - HIV/AIDS is still a major challenge in the world, including in Bandung City.

The government has targeted this prevention goal until 2030 with the Three Zero approach, namely zero new HIV infections, zero deaths due to AIDS, and zero stigma and discrimination.

"To achieve this goal, we must be committed together in efforts to prevent and overcome HIV/AIDS with the stop strategy (light, find, treat, and maintain)," explained the Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan at the Spiritual Building activity for the HIV/AIDS Community and Activists at the Al Ukhuwah Grand Mosque Hall (6/3/2025).

According to Farhan, the strategy covers various aspects. Starting from education to the community, early detection for those at risk, easy and sustainable access to treatment, and assistance to people with HIV (Odhiv) so that they continue to undergo treatment consistently.

"The biggest challenge in this effort is not only from medical sources, but also from the stigma and discrimination that still persist in society," he explained.

He said, in facing the challenge, not only relying on the medical aspect. It requires unity between physical, mental, and spiritual.

"Therefore, through this event, we want to reinforce that HIV/AIDS prevention must be carried out comprehensively, by combining medical treatment and spiritual strength," he said.

With the active role and collaboration of all parties, Farhan is optimistic that the Three Zero goal in Bandung City in 2030 can be achieved.

"Let us together realize a healthy, inclusive, and caring city of Bandung," he said.

In the same place, the Chairperson of the Spiritual Building Committee for the HIV/AIDS Community and Activists, Maya revealed, based on data from the Bandung City Health Service, from 1991 to January 2025, the cumulative number of HIV/AIDS cases in Bandung City has reached 9,784 people.

Of this number, only 6,370 PLHIV or around 65% are compliant with treatment.

"This shows that there are still major challenges in ensuring that every PLHIV gets adequate access to treatment and social support," he explained.

He said, this activity carries the theme "Unite Hearts, Strengthen Yourself, Spread Love Together". The theme reminds us that even though the path we take is full of challenges.

"We are never truly alone. When united with a heart full of enthusiasm and supporting each other. We will find a strength far greater than imagined," he said. (Bandung City Communications and Information Service/Fauziah)