Title: UGM’s Groundbreaking Initiative: Combating HIV Stigma and Empowerment Through Aloe Vera (Lidah Buaya)
The stigmatization of individuals living with HIV/AIDS (ODHIV) continues to be a pressing issue, hindering their access to healthcare and impacting their quality of life. Prof. dr. Yanri Wijayanti Subroto, PhD., SpPD, KPTI-FINASIM Center for Tropical Medicine at UGM, highlights the alarming new infection rates and the significance of education to prevent transmission among the youth.
"Education is key for our young population to understand their health, particularly their sexual health," says Prof. Yanri, emphasizing the need for guidance during their formative years. UGM’s Faculty of Medicine has allocated funds to support affected communities, with one innovative program focused on cultivating aloe vera, commonly known as ‘lidah buaya’ in Indonesia.
The initial project involved three local non-governmental organizations (LSM): Vesta, Kebaya, and Menoreh Plus. They collaborated to produce food and beverage products from aloe vera, with plans to expand into beauty products given its skincare benefits. "We’re currently developing soaps, shampoos, and hair masks," Prof. Yanri revealed.
Aini Puspayanti, a program officer, confirmed the persistent stigma faced by ODHIV, which often impacts their employment opportunities. However, the aloe vera initiative has proven successful in empowering these individuals. "It has allowed us to reach out to affected communities, providing them with a source of income and busting stereotypes about HIV transmission," Aini noted.
The project has not only created an entrepreneurial spirit among participants but also fostered solidarity and understanding. "We’ve been sharing meals and having fun together, proving that HIV isn’t as easily transmitted as some people believe," Aini added.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Stigma, Education, Youth, UGM, Aloe Vera, Livelihood, Empowerment.
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