More cases, less testing

Cause for concern: The number of pregnant women getting medical attention against STDs remains dangerously low. — The Jakarta Post/ANN

The Health Ministry has warned against the heightened danger of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS and syphilis, as the two sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have seen an uptick in cases in recent years, while the number of pregnant women getting medical attention against these diseases remains dangerously low.

According to ministry data, over the past five years the number of syphilis cases in the country has increased by 70%, from 12,000 cases in 2018 to 20,700 cases in 2022.