Rising HIV and STI Rates in Indonesia and Argentina Highlight Urgent Need for Prevention and Consistent Condoms Use

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With human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) cases climbing worldwide and in Indonesia and Argentina, health experts are urging earlier prevention, consistent condom use and wider access to sexual‑health resources.

According to Indonesiaexpat, Indonesia is seeing a worrying rise in HIV. National data show steady year‑on‑year increases, and the Ministry of Health says the country now ranks ninth worldwide for total HIV cases.

More than 564,000 Indonesians are currently living with HIV, most infected through unprotected sex, and UNAIDS lists Indonesia among the three fastest‑growing HIV epidemics in the Asia‑Pacific region.

“condoms are the only proven health‑prevention tool that can protect against both HIV and most STIs”, said Dr Thesa Ananda Prima

STI rates are rising alongside HIV. Ministry figures show reported STI cases have climbed by more than 21%, with the largest increase among Gen Z (15–24 years). Chlamydia and gonorrhoea remain the most common infections and are frequently transmitted through unprotected sexual activity.

The World Health Organization estimates more than 70% of STIs are asymptomatic, meaning many people unknowingly spread infections — a factor that intensifies the public‑health challenge.

To counter these trends, the private sector and civil society are stepping up. DKT Indonesia, a social‑marketing organisation focused on contraception, reproductive health and HIV prevention, has increased efforts to maintain prevention supplies and outreach.

To mark World AIDS Day 2025 and support national prevention efforts, DKT distributed over 153,000 condoms to institutions, health organisations and community groups across the country in partnership with NGOs and grassroots networks.

Dr Thesa Ananda Prima, DKT’s medical advisor and sexual‑reproductive‑health expert, emphasised the importance of prevention and education, noting that “condoms are the only proven health‑prevention tool that can protect against both HIV and most STIs” and urging consistent use.

Across the Pacific, Argentina is experiencing its own sexual‑health crisis, Buenos Aires Herald reported. Sexual‑health nonprofit Fundamind warns that many people with HIV learn of their infection only after it has progressed to advanced stages.

Health‑ministry data show 6,692 new HIV diagnoses in 2024 — more than before the COVID‑19 pandemic — and that 45% of those cases were detected at an advanced stage of AIDS, when immune systems are already severely compromised.

Fundamind attributes this situation to reduced access to prevention supplies and testing, fewer awareness campaigns and a diminished state presence in prevention strategies.

The organisation’s World AIDS Day report cites a 44% fall in government condom distribution to healthcare centres, schools and public facilities between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024, along with drops in supplies of rapid tests and reagents.

At the same time, STI infections in Argentina are surging. Between January and October 2025 there were 36,702 reported syphilis cases — almost the same number as in all of 2024 and a 38% increase since 2022 — with most infections occurring among 15–34‑year‑olds.

Fundamind also reports only about 14% of people use condoms during sex, with even lower rates among teenagers and young adults. Marginalised groups, including LGBTQ+ people, women and young people in poor neighbourhoods, face higher infection rates and later diagnoses, reflecting unequal access to healthcare and persistent stigma.

Both countries’ situations point to shared remedies. Experts recommend expanding access to free or low‑cost condoms and sexual‑health supplies in schools, community centres and clinics; broadening routine and rapid testing; strengthening education and awareness campaigns aimed at young people and marginalised communities; and tackling stigma and legal or social barriers that deter people from seeking testing, treatment and prevention.

Early prevention, consistent condom use and broader access to sexual‑health services remain essential to reversing rising HIV and STI trends.

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