RI plans strategy for AIDS summit

RI plans strategy for AIDS summit

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is pressing for a more balanced
allocation of global funds to counter the spread of the Acquired
Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) between the developing and
industrial countries.

Minister of Health Sujudi announced yesterday that Indonesia
is taking an active part in the preparations for the first world
summit on AIDS planned in Paris later this year.

The question of funding will be one of the topics discussed,
said Sujudi, who just returned from Paris for one of the
preparatory meetings.

Whether or not President Soeharto will attend is another
matter, he said after meeting with the head of state.

He cited a World Bank report which showed that of the $1.2
billion that has been provided to combat the scourge of AIDS
worldwide, only 13 percent had been funneled to the developing
countries. Industrial countries spent the rest.

He said more money should be allocated to developing countries
in Asia and Africa because that is where the AIDS is spreading
fastest.

The World Health Organization estimates that in the year 2000,
85 percent of 30 to 40 million AIDS patients would be found in
these regions and it would need from US$1.5 billion to US$2
billion to minister their needs, Sujudi said.

"So I think in this context, the AIDS summit will be very
important," he said.

Sujudi said Indonesia has a very strong interest in ensuring
that the spread of AIDS be contained.

Everything that this nation has achieved in the last 25 years
of conscious development, such as in extending life expectancy
and reducing infant mortality rate would be meaningless if it
cannot contain the spread of AIDS, he said.

Sujudi also announced that year's National Children Day on
July 23 will be celebrated with the President at the Presidential
Palace and not at the Taman Mini as in past years.

"Children have never been invited to the Palace," he said. "So
for the first time we'll bring them there. It's their rights."
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