Working to Keep HIV/AIDS Sufferers Alive.

(4/19/2008)

Boehringer Ingelheim Indonesia has provided funding for the first antiretroviral therapy adherence counseling program in Indonesia operated by the Foundation for Health in Bali (Yakeba). The Rp. 45 million (US$4,900) grant will cover a six-month period and assist 150 HIV/AIDS sufferers in Bali to ensure that they adhere to antiretroviral drug therapy programs(ARV).

Yakeba is a non-government organization (NGO) working to decrease the spread of HIV/AIDS in Bali with a special emphasis on working with intravenous drug users (IDU) and their partners. Yakeba also supports a people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA), again focusing on IDU.

Yakeba estimates that there are 2,500 IDU and an estimated 3,000 PLWA in Bali. Of these 3,000 PLWA, only some 300 are using antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) medications that can inhibit the reproduction of HIV.

More About Yakeba

Among the ongoing programs conducted by Yakeba to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in Bali include:

• A Needle Exchange Program

• A Used Needle Disposal Program

• A Free Condom Distribution Program

• A Voluntary Counseling & Testing (VCT) Program for those wishing to know their HIV status

• A Team of Outreach Workers who distribute needles, information and who refer IDU to VCT and a number of health services

• A Peer-driven Support Program for IDU

• A Peer-driven Support Program for IDU living with HIV/AIDS

• A Peer-driven Support Program for IDU, PLWA and their partners

• A small hospice for terminally ill PLWA

Yakeba works to decrease discrimination, reduce the stigma for those living with HIV/AIDS, and increase the availability of health services for IDU and PLWA.

Boehringer Ingelheim, who are providing the latest support to Yakeba, operates 137 affiliates in 47 countries and employs 38,400 people.

Those wishing to contact Yakeba can visit their center at Jalan Merta Sari 159, Sidakarya, Denpasar Selatan – Telephone/Facsimile ++62-(0)361-724699.