Ending the AIDS Epidemic: A Call to Action in Indonesia
Indonesia faces significant challenges in its mission to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, according to a recent statement from Dr. Muhammad Saleem, UNAIDS Indonesia Country Director.
Combatting Stigma and Discrimination
“Educating the public and advocating for more inclusive policies is critical to ensuring global targets are achieved,” Saleem emphasized. “Without urgent action, new HIV infections will increase, and the response to HIV will become unsustainable.”
He highlighted the crucial role of public education and awareness in combating stigma and discrimination, major obstacles in treating HIV effectively.
Global and National HIV Statistics
According to UNAIDS 2024 epidemiological estimates, globally there were 1.3 million new HIV infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023. Saleem noted that currently 30.3 million of the 39.9 million people living with HIV worldwide are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ARV). However, only 48 percent of children living with HIV officially achieve viral suppression, meaning the virus is controlled.
In Indonesia, as of September 2024, 71 percent of people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their status. While 64 percent are undergoing ARV treatment, only 49 percent have a suppressed viral load.
Addressing Key Challenges in Indonesia
Saleem outlined several key challenges specific to Indonesia. One is the increasing number of key populations vulnerable to HIV, combined with limited access to adequate health services. Another is the need to optimize the provision of prevention packages, which include condoms and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
In response to these challenges, community-driven outreach to key populations has been carried out in 178 districts/cities. Additionally, independent HIV testing using the Oral Fluid Test has been introduced to increase early detection and expedite treatment.
Collaboration is Key to Achieving UNAIDS Targets
“With collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations and society, it is hoped that Indonesia can achieve the targets set by UNAIDS and end the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” Saleem said.
He stressed the paramount importance of World AIDS Day as an annual reminder of the continuing need for sustained effort, awareness, and rapid action to end the AIDS epidemic and improve the lives of all people living with HIV. “Ending AIDS is possible if we act now and follow the right path,” Saleem concluded.
How can Indonesia ensure that policies protecting PLHIV from discrimination are effectively implemented and enforced?
## Ending the AIDS Epidemic: A Conversation with Dr. Muhammad Saleem
**Host:** Welcome to the program, Dr. Saleem. Indonesia, like many nations, has committed to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. However, you’ve recently warned that significant challenges remain. Can you elaborate on these challenges?
**Dr. Saleem:** The path ahead is indeed complex. While progress has been made, stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) remain persistent obstacles [[1](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1298297/full)]. The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, exacerbated this situation, making it more challenging for PLHIV to access vital treatment and support.
**Host:** How does this stigma manifest, and what are its consequences?
**Dr. Saleem:** Stigma takes many forms – from social exclusion and discrimination in healthcare settings to internalized shame and fear of disclosure. These experiences deter individuals from getting tested and seeking treatment, ultimately hindering efforts to control the epidemic [[1](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1298297/full)].
**Host:** What steps can be taken to address this crucial issue?
**Dr. Saleem:** We need a multi-pronged approach. Public education campaigns are crucial for dispelling myths and fostering empathy. We also need strong, inclusive policies that protect PLHIV from discrimination and guarantee their access to healthcare and social services.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Saleem, for shedding light on these pressing challenges. We hope your call to action will spur increased efforts to ensure a brighter future for PLHIV in Indonesia and beyond.
