Pre-Conference National Consultation with Youth: Young People and HIV/AIDS

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, with a population 214,8 million is now the forth most populated country in the world. Young people age 15-24 represent approximately 30% of the population (UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS 2002). The HIV epidemic in Indonesia is concentrated, with still-low HIV infection rates in the general population, but high rates among certain populations. As of March 2004, the MoH reported 2,746 HIV and 1,413 AIDS cases, bringing to a total 4,159 reported HIV/AIDS cases and 493 AIDS related deaths in Indonesia. The number of Indonesians living with HIV/AIDS is estimated by the Government at 90,000 to 130,000, the majority of whom are unaware of their seropositive status. It is estimated that unless behaviour changes, another 80,000 Indonesians will have become newly infected in 2003.