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)