Striving for Equality: Indonesia Focuses on Ending AIDS by 2030
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a crucial reminder of the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This year, Indonesia is focusing its efforts on the theme “Equal Rights for All, Together We Can,” calling for an end to stigma, discrimination, and inequality in the handling of this life-altering virus.
A Collaborative Approach to Ending HIV/AIDS
Yudhi Pramono, Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of a cross-sectoral approach in achieving the ambitious goal of “Ending AIDS by 2030.” “This isn’t solely the government’s responsibility,” he stated during a recent event at the Des Indes Hotel in Jakarta. “It requires a collective movement to build inclusive healthcare services that uphold human rights. By working together, we can actively reduce new infections, eliminate AIDS-related deaths, and enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.”
Challenges Persist Despite Progress Made
While Indonesia has made strides in controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, significant challenges persist. According to Ina Agustina, Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, a concerning 35 percent of new infections were found among men who have sex with men (MSM), and 28 percent involved couples. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and increased awareness within these communities.
Furthermore, only 64 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) currently receive antiretroviral therapy (ARV), with only 49 percent achieving viral suppression. These figures underscore the urgency of improving access to treatment and ensuring adherence to medication regimens.
Innovation at the Forefront of the Fight
Recognizing the complexities of tackling HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing innovative approaches to achieve the ambitious 95-95-95 target by 2030. This target aims for 95 percent of people with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those aware of their status to be on treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment to have achieved viral suppression.
Key strategies include implementing self-screening programs, providing same-day treatment (Sameday ART), and integrating community-based services. These initiatives aim to empower individuals, enhance accessibility to care, and reduce stigma associated with testing and treatment.
HIV/AIDS sufferers still continue to struggle against stigma and discrimination from society regarding the disease they suffer from. Some people still think that HIV/AIDS is a scary disease.
What specific targeted interventions and awareness campaigns are being implemented to address the rising number of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and within couples?
## Striving for Equality: A Conversation about Ending AIDS in Indonesia
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show, Mr. Pramono. Indonesia has set an ambitious goal: ending AIDS by 2030. This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Equal Rights For All, Together We Can,” highlights the importance of fighting stigma and discrimination. Can you tell us more about Indonesia’s approach to achieving this goal?
**Yudhi Pramono, Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control:** Thank you for having me. You’re absolutely right, ending AIDS by 2030 is a bold ambition, and achieving it requires a united effort. It’s not just a governmental responsibility; it calls for a collective movement encompassing all sectors of society. We need to build inclusive healthcare services that prioritize human rights and address the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the key challenges Indonesia faces in tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic?
**Yudhi Pramono:** While Indonesia has made progress in controlling the epidemic, we still face significant hurdles. Ina Agustina, our Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, raised a critical point recently. A concerning percentage of new infections are occurring among men who have sex with men (MSM) and within couples. This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and increased awareness campaigns to reach these communities effectively.
**Interviewer:** And how does the theme of “Equal Rights for All” play into Indonesia’s strategy?
**Yudhi Pramono:** It’s central to our approach. We recognize that stigma and discrimination create barriers to testing, treatment, and care. They prevent individuals from accessing the support they need and perpetuate the cycle of the epidemic. By promoting equal rights and fostering a more inclusive society, we hope to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help and prevent new infections.
