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." (17)