AIDS medication for women

AIDS medication for women

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Association of Doctors Concerned
about AIDS announced yesterday the availability of a medication
to prevent the spread of the syndrome to babies during pregnancy,
delivery and nursing.

Chairman Samsuridjal Djauzi said the medication zidovudine,
developed a decade ago, is designed to prevent the spread of
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from mother to child.

Samsuridjal said 30 percent of pregnant women with HIV are
likely to infect their unborn babies, a possibility that can be
minimized with this medication.

He said his association is working in cooperation with, among
others, pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome to offer affordable
access to zidovudine, which normally costs Rp 1 million (US$414)
per course.

Mothers would have to undergo tests for HIV and counseling
during which time they would be told about the medication's
benefits and possible side effects.

To receive zidovudine, women with doctors' referrals can
contact the association on fax number (021) 3904546.

Meanwhile, Indonesian AIDS Foundation has reopened its hotline
service after the two-month renovation of its Jakarta office.
Information and counseling can be accessed through telephone
number 5303000 from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
(01)