HIV among drug addicts

HIV among drug addicts

JAKARTA: At least 75 percent of the 400 drug addicts treated
by the non-profit Asa Bangsa Foundation over the past two years
are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the
foundation's chairperson, Sufiah Ambardy, said on Saturday.

"About 75 percent of the patients are infected with the deadly
HIV," Ambardy said at the opening of Ramadhan Bazaar on Drug
Danger, which was opened by Vice President Hamzah Haz's wife
Nani.

Most patients treated by the foundation are from poor
families, Ambardy said, adding that another 50 patients are
currently on a waiting list for treatment.

Ambardy said that the cost of treating drug addiction at the
foundation is Rp 20 million (US$1,900) per patient. -- Antara

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Scene-Religions
Indonesians fed up with violence
JP/8/SCENE

Indonesians fed up with violence

CANBERRA: Minister of Religious Affairs Said Aqiel Munawar
said that members of religious communities in Indonesia are
already fed up with the various episodes of violence caused by
attempts to use religion as a political commodity.

The minister urged all parties to refrain from such practices,
which he said would only affect national unity.

"The religious community has for years been pitted against
others, both from different religions and even the same religion.
It is the works of a handful of irresponsible but ambitious
politicians," Said Aqiel said at a fast-breaking ceremony with
the Indonesian community in Sydney on Saturday.

He expressed concern over the fact that the violence had not
only caused conflicting groups to suffer losses, but had also
ruined the country's image internationally.

"I'm sure we don't want to hear the name of our nation being
tarnished in the international world.

"Therefore, don't be easily provoked to dispute with other
parties from different religions," he said. -- Antara