"However, Indonesia should be able to fund its HIV/AIDS treatment services without any outside help, if we want to ensure the sustainability of such programs," Agung Laksono said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono has stated that foreign aid accounted for some 70 percent of the government`s budget for HIV/AIDs treatment and prevention programs.
"About 70 percent of the budget for HIV/AIDS treatment comes from foreign assistance," he said during an event observing the World AIDS Day at the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII), here on Tuesday.
"However, Indonesia should be able to fund its HIV/AIDS treatment services without any outside help, if we want to ensure the sustainability of such programs," Agung stated.
"Funds should come not only from the central government but also from regional administrations, as well as from other parties such as private companies and industries," he added.
Meanwhile, Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar, as the chairperson of the event`s organizing committee, said the theme of the World AIDS Day commemoration event this year was "Protect Women and Children from HIV/AIDS".
"Women and children, as the focus of this year`s HIV/AIDS campaigns, must be supported and given attention because they are biologically vulnerable," she stated.
"Women`s ignorance about HIV/AIDS affects their babies, particularly those still in their wombs," Linda noted.
She said the government and the public must work together to ensure that the nation`s women have access to the necessary health services.
"Prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS is a one of the most important parts of such services," Linda pointed out.
"All parties are expected to protect the children`s and women`s rights to access to education about sexual and reproductive health, among other things," she added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
