AIDS medication for women<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Association of Doctors Concerned
\nabout AIDS announced yesterday the availability of a medication
\nto prevent the spread of the syndrome to babies during pregnancy,
\ndelivery and nursing.<\/p>\n
Chairman Samsuridjal Djauzi said the medication zidovudine,
\ndeveloped a decade ago, is designed to prevent the spread of
\nHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child.<\/p>\n
Samsuridjal said 30 percent of pregnant women with HIV are
\nlikely to infect their unborn babies, a possibility that can be
\nminimized with this medication.<\/p>\n
He said his association is working in cooperation with, among
\nothers, pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome to offer affordable
\naccess to zidovudine, which normally costs Rp 1 million (US$414)
\nper course.<\/p>\n
Mothers would have to undergo tests for HIV and counseling
\nduring which time they would be told about the medication's
\nbenefits and possible side effects.<\/p>\n
To receive zidovudine, women with doctors' referrals can
\ncontact the association on fax number (021) 3904546.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Indonesian AIDS Foundation has reopened its hotline
\nservice after the two-month renovation of its Jakarta office.
\nInformation and counseling can be accessed through telephone
\nnumber 5303000 from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
\n(01)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aids-medication-for-women-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}