Sidoarjo Regency Launches HIV Education Program for High School and Vocational Students

The Sidoarjo Regency government held the "Sidoarjo Youth Safeguard 2026" HIV education event on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at the KH Ahmad Dahlan Auditorium of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. The program, aimed at senior high school (SMA) and vocational (SMK) students across the regency, was organized by the Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Sidoarjo in partnership with the Ikatan Alumni Universitas Airlangga and the university.

Head of the health department, dr Lakhsmie Herawati Yuwantina, emphasized that accurate knowledge about HIV, reproductive health and self‑identity is essential to prevent risky behaviour and reduce stigma toward people living with HIV. She noted that from 2001 to June 2026, 60 cases of HIV were recorded among youths aged 11‑17, with seven deaths and 53 individuals receiving treatment. The department also highlighted broader efforts, including life‑cycle screening and a triple‑elimination program for pregnant women to curb transmission.

The event also addressed common misconceptions, clarifying that HIV is not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, sharing food, or mosquito bites.