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)