World AIDS Day Highlights Urgent Need for HIV Testing and Treatment Access
On World AIDS Day, health experts in Indonesia prioritize the importance of routine HIV testing and treatment, especially for tuberculosis infection, a significant threat to HIV-positive individuals. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono emphasized this crucial message, stating, "The majority [of HIV patients] are accompanied by other diseases, for example, tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in HIV patients is one of the things that cause the death of HIV patients".
Tuberculosis (TB) poses a deadly risk to people living with HIV (PLHIV), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV weakens the immune system, allowing dormant TB bacteria to reactivate and cause serious illness.
Early detection is key to combating this dangerous combination. Harbuwono hopes that regular TB tests for HIV patients will lead to timely diagnoses and treatment, saving lives.
While Indonesia has made strides in fighting HIV/AIDS, challenges remain. Data from the HIV AIDS Information System (SIHA) reveals that only 71% of people living with HIV know their status, 64% are receiving antiretroviral therapy, and only 48% of those receiving treatment have undergone viral load testing to ensure adequate virus suppression.
To achieve the global target of “Three Zeros” by 2030 – zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination – Indonesia aims to ultimately reach a 95% diagnosis rate, 95% on treatment, and 95% with suppressed viral loads.
This year’s World AIDS Day slogan, “Take the Way of Rights” or "Equal Rights for All, Together We Can", underscores the need for equal access to healthcare and services for all those affected by HIV/AIDS.
The fight against HIV/AIDS requires a multi-pronged approach, including increasing awareness, promoting preventative measures, ensuring access to affordable testing and treatment, and addressing the stigma surrounding the disease.
World AIDS Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity and action to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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2024-11-29 14:59:00
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## World AIDS Day: Urgent Call for Increased HIV Testing and Access to Treatment for Vulnerable Populations
**Jakarta, Indonesia** – As the world marks World AIDS Day 2023, health experts in Indonesia are sounding the alarm on the critical need for expanded HIV testing and treatment access, especially for individuals living with tuberculosis (TB).Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono highlighted the deadly interplay between these two diseases, stressing the urgency of early detection and intervention.
joining us today to delve deeper into these vital issues are Dr. Lina kusumastuti, a leading infectious disease specialist at the University of Indonesia and Dr. Budiman Setiawan, Director of the Indonesian AIDS Foundation. Their expertise will provide crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities in combating HIV/AIDS in Indonesia.
### The Deadly Duo: HIV and Tuberculosis
**World Today News:** Dr. Kusumastuti,could you elaborate on the connection between HIV and TB,and why it poses such a grave threat?
**Dr. Lina Kusumastuti:** HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals substantially more susceptible to TB infection and reactivating latent TB bacteria. This often leads to more severe TB symptoms and significantly increases the risk of death.Early TB diagnosis and treatment among people living with HIV is absolutely essential for saving lives.
**World Today News:** Dr. Setiawan, what are some of the key obstacles to achieving widespread TB testing and treatment for HIV-positive individuals in Indonesia?
**Dr. Budiman Setiawan:** A number of factors contribute to this challenge, including limited access to healthcare in certain regions, stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, and a lack of awareness about the importance of TB screening for this vulnerable population. We need to increase education and outreach efforts, particularly in marginalized communities.
### Bridging the Treatment gap: Reaching the “Three Zeros”
**World Today News:** Deputy Health Minister Harbuwono emphasized Indonesia’s commitment to reaching the “Three Zeros” by 2030. Dr. Kusumastuti, what needs to be done to bridge the existing treatment gaps?
**Dr. Lina kusumastuti:** While Indonesia has made commendable progress, our data shows we still have work to do. Increasing the number of people who know their HIV status, ensuring universal access to antiretroviral therapy, and monitoring treatment effectiveness thru viral load testing are critical steps towards achieving these ambitious goals.
**World Today News:** Dr. Setiawan, how can community-based organizations and NGOs like the Indonesian AIDS Foundation contribute to this goal?
**Dr. Budiman Setiawan:** We play a vital role in reaching key populations, providing counselling and testing services, advocating for policy changes, and connecting individuals to treatment facilities. By building trust within these communities and addressing stigma head-on,we can encourage more people to seek the care they need.
### A Global Call for Action: Ending the Epidemic
**World Today News:** As we reflect on World AIDS day, what message do you have for our readers regarding the fight against HIV/AIDS?
**Dr. Lina Kusumastuti:** This year’s slogan, “Equal Rights for All, Together We Can,” highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare and services for all affected by HIV/AIDS. Only through collective action,involving governments,healthcare providers,communities,and individuals,can we end this epidemic.
**World Today News:** Dr. Setiawan, what can individuals do to contribute?
**Dr. Budiman Setiawan:** Get informed, get tested, get involved. Even small actions like supporting organizations working on the frontlines, promoting awareness within your own networks, and challenging discriminatory attitudes can make a difference.
**Key takeaways:** Increased HIV testing and treatment access for vulnerable populations, particularly those with TB, is crucial. Global collaboration and a multi-pronged approach, including addressing stigma and promoting equal rights, are essential in achieving the target of “Three Zeros” by 2030.
**Read More:**
* [Insert link to JIP: HIV/AIDS treatment is challenged by discriminatory regional policies]
* [Insert link to Ministry of Health pursues equal health services for key populations to treat HIV]
* [Insert link to Ministry of health: Create positive sexual behaviour from an early age, prevent HI]
