Despite meaningful advances in treatment, HIV/AIDS remains a public health concern globally, and indonesia is no exception.On December 1st, 2025, Universitas ahmad Dahlan (UAD) in Yogyakarta partnered with the regional Health Department to host a World AIDS day seminar aimed at combating misinformation and stigma surrounding the virus. The event, focusing on the national theme of “Overcoming Barriers, Transforming the AIDS Response,” specifically targeted young people-a demographic especially vulnerable to misinformation spread through digital channels-with accessible and engaging educational resources. Organizers say the initiative reflects a growing emphasis on community-led prevention efforts in the region.
A collaborative effort between the Communication Studies Program at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) and the Health Department of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, culminated in a World AIDS Day educational seminar on December 1, 2025. The event, hosted at the Amphitheater of UAD’s Campus IV, aimed to address ongoing challenges in HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
The seminar focused on the national theme established by the Indonesian Ministry of Health: “Overcoming Barriers, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Organizers explained that this theme was chosen to highlight the prevalence of inaccurate information, persistent social stigma, and a lack of attention to reproductive health issues, particularly among young people. These factors contribute to the rapid spread of misinformation about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS in digital spaces.
Frisca Muthia, the event’s chairperson, noted that planning for the seminar took a month of intensive coordination between the UAD’s Insight Agency and the Yogyakarta Health Department. “The biggest challenges were coordinating speaker schedules and creating HIV/AIDS education that would resonate with young people, especially Gen Z, without causing fear, stigma, or boredom during the event,” Muthia said.
The seminar featured three sessions covering the fundamentals of HIV/AIDS, including modes of transmission, prevention methods, and debunking common myths. Speakers emphasized the importance of early HIV/AIDS testing and utilizing the free healthcare services provided by the government. A key message throughout the event was the need to reduce stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS, reinforcing their right to live healthy, productive lives and be accepted by society. The guiding principle shared was “Distance yourself from the disease, not the person.”
Gen Z was identified as the primary target audience due to their strategic role in digital health campaigns. This generation is known for being critical thinkers, adaptable, and active in sharing information on social media, but also vulnerable to misinformation. To address this, the seminar incorporated visual and interactive elements designed to appeal to Gen Z’s preferences. This approach proved successful, with high levels of engagement during discussions, Q&A sessions, and counseling opportunities.
Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees reporting that the materials were interactive and easy to understand. A total of 222 people attended the seminar, demonstrating the continued relevance of HIV/AIDS education, particularly for students who may later play a role in disseminating health information within their communities. This underscores the ongoing need for accessible and accurate information about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Following the seminar, organizers, in collaboration with the Yogyakarta Health Department, plan to continue the campaign through the distribution of digital educational materials, follow-up initiatives, and potential workshops at schools and universities. These efforts aim to sustain the educational impact of the event beyond a single day of awareness. (Anove)
