Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the grant from the Global Fund demonstrates the strong commitment of all elements of the world's community and governments to eliminating the three infectious diseases in all countries.
"I'd like to thank our friends that have supported the Global Fund programs, all components, be it governments, regional governments, or social institutions, that have helped us," he remarked in a statement released by the Health Ministry on Thursday.
Sadikin said that Indonesia is one of the countries that is receiving support from the Global Fund to reach the target of HIV, TB, and malaria elimination by 2030.
The grant signing ceremony, which was held in Jakarta on Wednesday, also marked the launch of programs for AIDS, TB, and malaria, along with investments in strengthening the health system.
Of the total US$309 million, US$103.7 million will be used for AIDS handling, US$126 million for TB combating, US$35.6 million for malaria controlling, and US$14.4 million for strengthening the health system.
According to a report from the Health Ministry, the number of HIV cases in Indonesia is estimated to have reached around 540,000 in 2023, with 68 percent of the infected aware of their status.
Meanwhile, 62 percent of those who were aware of their status had received medicines, and 38 percent were experiencing viral suppression, meaning the virus is effectively controlled in their bodies.
Furthermore, based on the 2023 report, the number of cases of TB in Indonesia reached over 1 million, while the number of malaria patients reached 380,000.
The ministry also reported that 76 percent of districts and cities in Indonesia were free from malaria, and 89 percent of Indonesians lived in malaria-free regions.
"Currently, my main focus right now is HIV because the HIV situation is not good. The malaria situation is good as it has been eliminated in 318 districts and cities," Sadikin said.
He said that the Global Fund's support is not only limited to providing medicines and health services, but it is also helping Indonesia strengthen its health system, increase community involvement, and boost research and development capacity.
"I ask that this grant be a complementary fund and not a replacement fund so that funds from within the country are still sought," he added.
Related news: Community key to Indonesia's HIV/AIDS eradication by 2030: Official
Related news: Ministry calls for active public participation in TB prevention
Related news: Five provinces declared to be malaria-free: Health Ministry
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
