AIDS progress praised

AIDS progress praised

JAKARTA (JP): Local experts are hailing signs of relative
progress in the fight against Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) worldwide, pledging an even greater effort to achieve
similar success here.

Dr. Samsuridjal Djauzi said at a discussion yesterday that the
rate of mothers infecting their babies with the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) -- which can lead to AIDS -- is
declining.

There are also signs that existing treatments for the disease
are becoming more effective, he said. "By regularly giving Azido
Timidon (AZT) capsules to HIV-positive mothers, the risk of
infection decreases from 30 percent to 8 percent," he said.

He cited nine infants from HIV mothers in England who were
born unaffected and with enough physical strength to resist
infection.

He said that five percent of those currently with the HIV have
not developed AIDS, an improvement over just a few years ago.
Most HIV-infected people are predicted to develop AIDS within
five to ten years.

"Some long-term survivors have been found in Holland,
Australia and Japan," Samsuridjal said.

Zubairi said that the Ministry of Health has approved the
greater circulation of many anti-HIV medicines, such as AZT, ddI,
ddC and 3TC in Indonesia.

The discussion was held by Pelita Ilmu Foundation, a non-
governmental organization known for its anti-AIDS campaigning.
The foundation announced its plan to hold a National Conference
and Anti-AIDS Campaign here from July 24 to July 26.

The meeting should provide a national forum for those involved
in the anti-AIDS drive to exchange experiences. Foreign experts
will also be invited to give their views.

Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas and
Minister of Population Haryono Suyono are also the list of the
organizing committee's members. The conference committee is
chaired by former health minister Dr. Adhyatma. (16)