The Malang City Health Office (Dinkes) recorded a significant surge in HIV case findings up to mid-2026. Out of a total of 10,873 residents who participated in voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services, 186 people tested positive for HIV. This figure shows an almost twofold increase compared to the March 2026 period, which only ranged around 90 cases.
The Head of the Malang City Health Office, Husnul Muarif, emphasized that the rise in this figure is not just an alarming statistic, but rather an indication of the success of the early detection program. According to him, public awareness to voluntarily check their health status is growing, which is crucial for breaking the chain of transmission faster.
Based on epidemiological distribution data, the male population dominates with a percentage of around 52 to 53 percent of the total case findings. The Health Office identified the Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) group as the sector with the highest number of findings, reaching 100 cases, indicating that sexual behavior factors remain the main risk.
Nevertheless, the transmission of this virus has been observed to have spread to various social strata of society. Data shows that transmission also targets groups outside the traditional high-risk populations, including nine clients of sex workers, eight pregnant women, five prospective brides and grooms undergoing premarital screening, as well as one concerning case of mother-to-child vertical transmission.
To address this development, the Malang City Government has readied 40 health facilities to take proactive steps in the field. Prevention efforts are now focused on close contact tracing, where diagnosed patients are encouraged to invite their partners to get tested, accompanied by disciplined antiretroviral (ARV) treatment support to maintain their productivity.
