AIDS progress praised<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Local experts are hailing signs of relative
\nprogress in the fight against Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
\n(AIDS) worldwide, pledging an even greater effort to achieve
\nsimilar success here.<\/p>\n
Dr. Samsuridjal Djauzi said at a discussion yesterday that the
\nrate of mothers infecting their babies with the Human
\nImmunodeficiency Virus (HIV) -- which can lead to AIDS -- is
\ndeclining.<\/p>\n
There are also signs that existing treatments for the disease
\nare becoming more effective, he said. \"By regularly giving Azido
\nTimidon (AZT) capsules to HIV-positive mothers, the risk of
\ninfection decreases from 30 percent to 8 percent,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He cited nine infants from HIV mothers in England who were
\nborn unaffected and with enough physical strength to resist
\ninfection.<\/p>\n
He said that five percent of those currently with the HIV have
\nnot developed AIDS, an improvement over just a few years ago.
\nMost HIV-infected people are predicted to develop AIDS within
\nfive to ten years.<\/p>\n
\"Some long-term survivors have been found in Holland,
\nAustralia and Japan,\" Samsuridjal said.<\/p>\n
Zubairi said that the Ministry of Health has approved the
\ngreater circulation of many anti-HIV medicines, such as AZT, ddI,
\nddC and 3TC in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The discussion was held by Pelita Ilmu Foundation, a non-
\ngovernmental organization known for its anti-AIDS campaigning.
\nThe foundation announced its plan to hold a National Conference
\nand Anti-AIDS Campaign here from July 24 to July 26.<\/p>\n
The meeting should provide a national forum for those involved
\nin the anti-AIDS drive to exchange experiences. Foreign experts
\nwill also be invited to give their views.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas and
\nMinister of Population Haryono Suyono are also the list of the
\norganizing committee's members. The conference committee is
\nchaired by former health minister Dr. Adhyatma. (16)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aids-progress-praised-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}