AIDS sufferers cannot afford medication
JAKARTA (JP): Only 11 of the 631 Indonesians who have tested HIV positive or are suffering from full-blown AIDS can afford to buy the imported medicine which could retard the impact of the deadly disease.
Each HIV/AIDS sufferer needs to spend about Rp 2 million (US$250) a month for medication, project coordinator of the Spiritia Foundation, Suzanna Murni, said after opening an AIDS charity bazaar here yesterday.
"The present monetary crisis has caused medicine prices to skyrocket beyond the reach of HIV/AIDS sufferers," she said as quoted by Antara.
She did not say how many have died so far from a lack of medicine.
Suzanna said those who cannot afford to buy medicine often rely on family and friends.
"Their last hope is people who support the AIDS cause, who unfortunately are few in number."
Stressing the importance of information dissemination, she said a greater effort should be made to broaden people's knowledge of the lethal disease.
Chairman of the bazaar's organizing committee, Baby Jim Aditya, said the funds raised from the two-day bazaar would be used to finance the 1998 AIDS Nusantara Candlelight Night scheduled for May 17.
"Several celebrities, such as dangdut singer Ikke Nurjanah, comedian Mi'ing Bagito and fashion designer Robby Tumewu, have displayed their support for the bazaar by contributing their clothes."
At least 103 non-governmental organizations will help stage a remembrance ceremony in 53 cities across Indonesia, she added.
"During the Candlelight Night, we will gather to remember those who have died from AIDS as well as give support to those who are now suffering from the disease," Baby said.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 631 Indonesians are either infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), or are suffering from full-blown AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Of the 631, 118 are in Jakarta.
Non-government estimates, however, predict the number of sufferers is several times higher than official figures indicate. (mds)