Cirebon health officials identify 144 new HIV cases

Health authorities in Cirebon Regency, West Java, identified 144 new HIV cases during screenings conducted between January and June 2026. The majority of these cases were found in the productive age group, specifically individuals between 25 and 49 years old.

Of the 144 cases, 77 were recorded in men and 18 in women. The screening also identified cases among specific groups, including 42 cases in men who have sex with men (MSM), 5 in transgender individuals, 5 in female sex workers, and 1 in a prison inmate. Additionally, 4 cases were found in pregnant women and 38 in tuberculosis patients.

Mona Isabella Saragih, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Cirebon Health Office, noted that while the number of findings is notable, it does not necessarily indicate an increase in transmission rates. She explained that expanded screening efforts are allowing more people living with HIV to be identified.