The provinces of Papua and West Papua, also known as Tanah Papua, are located in easternmost Indonesia. They are home to only one percent of Indonesia's population of 250 million people. However, almost 40 percent of HIV/AIDS cases in the country are located in these regions. In fact, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection in Tanah Papua is the highest in the country, and 15 times higher than the national average. Although they say that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate, in Tanah Papua this epidemic follows along the fault lines of race: about three-quarters of those infected are indigenous Papuans. Due to economic disparity and a lack of political power stemming from an arduous history of colonization, indigenous Papuans are more susceptible to poverty, malnutrition, unemployment, and illiteracy than the Indonesian migrants who have relocated to the provinces. In addition to these significant disadvantages, indigenous Papuans are also more vulnerable to contracting HIV because they lack access to the information and education necessary to make informed decisions to reduce their susceptibility to the disease. Furthermore, they also have limited access to an adequate health support and preventive services. With this epidemic, men and women, children, husbands and wives, and communities are facing significant threats of transmission, stigmatization, marginalized well-being, and mortality related to HIV/AIDS. Indigenous Papuans are living and dying in the midst of the fastest growing epidemic in Asia. Against All Odds uses images and text to investigates some of the causes to this epidemic such as limited economic opportunities, lack of HIV/AIDS education and awareness, insufficient access to health services, inadequate support, discrimination, and stigma. Ultimately, this project aims to raise awareness about this epidemic and to serve as an advocacy tool to provide an in-depth understanding, promotes dialogue, and bring about changes that are necessary. To view the book and multimedia please visit these links below: Book: http://issuu.com/andritambunan/docs/aao_rgb_150dpi Multimedia: https://vimeo.com/67655298

In Papua, the HIV/AIDS epidemic follows along the fault lines of race. About three-quarters of those infected are indigenous Papuans. Due to economic disparity and a lack of political power stemming from an arduous history of colonization, indigenous Papuans are more susceptible to poverty, malnutrition, unemployment, and illiteracy. Already at a disadvantage, the moment one is diagnosed with HIV in Papua, it could be the beginning of the end. The term often used to label a person living with HIV/AIDS in Papua is ODHA or "Orang Dengan HIV/AIDS." This label has a negative connotation since HIV/AIDS is often associated with, and viewed as a curse or retribution for personal misconduct and deviant behaviors such as sinful acts, alcoholism, promiscuity, "free sex" (seks bebas), and extra marital sex. Also, since the general public often perceives HIV to be easily transmitted through touch or by air, ODHAs are often isolated or evicted by their immediate family members and the community. Fear of abuse, persecution, and ostracism has made secrecy the primary concern for ODHA rather than getting treatment. Both external and internal stigma perpetuate a sense of shame, guilt, rejection, and hopelessness which makes ODHAs undervalue their social role and their sense of belonging. Consequently, stigma significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the likelihood of suffering and mortality for indigenous Papuans living with HIV/AIDS. *Names and location are changed or undisclosed to protect individual's identity.

TANAH PAPUA HAS THE HIGHEST HIV/AIDS INFECTION RATES IN INDONESIA. The region is made up of Papua & West Papua, located in the easternmost part of the country. Many improvements have been made to create better access to quality care and medicine. Still, the biggest obstacles that remain are the stigmas and discrimination directed at people who live with HIV/AIDS or at a risk of HIV infection. The majority of the public in Tanah Papua still perceive HIV/AIDS to mean suffering, dishonor, and death. Due to fear of discrimination people often postpone or avoid getting tested for HIV. Without knowing their status, individuals who have contracted HIV are less likely to take preventive measures and will often transmit the virus to their spouses or significant others. Stigma and discrimination also discourage those already living with HIV/AIDS to seek out lifesaving treatments such as (ARV) Antiretroviral medicine necessary to maintain their health by suppressing the virus’ progress in the body. Fear of abuse, persecution, and ostracism from family members and the community have made secrecy and denial the primary concern over seeking care. Moreover, internal stigma perpetuates shame, guilt, rejection, and hopelessness that undervalue social roles and a sense of belonging. In the end, suffering and mortality are inevitable. It's a vicious cycle because the images of anguish and death reinforce the stigma and discrimination. I am Positif profiles seven individuals who are HIV positive. Contrary to the negative stereotype, they are strong, healthy, productive, resilient, and hopeful. They are devoted parents, loving sons, and daughters, and contributing members of their families and communities. Their incredible testimonies are not only a source of inspiration but also act as evidence necessary to counter the misconceptions about the illness and to help end stigma and discrimination in Tanah Papua. For more information and to watch the multimedia please visit this interactive website: www.Iampositif.org (English) www.Sayapositif.org (Indonesian)