US-Indonesia Expand Collaboration to Fight HIV/AIDS

Jakarta, MINA – The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and global healthcare company Abbott, are collaborating to support Indonesia in increasing access to quality HIV/AIDS diagnostic and treatment services for those who need it.

Over 600,000 Indonesians live with HIV/AIDS, and transmission rates remain consistently high among key groups. Indonesia is committed to controlling the epidemic by achieving the UN 90-90-90 Treatment for All Targets to ensure that HIV is no longer a threat to public health.

According to a statement received by MINA, Monday (15/7), Abbott and USAID will accelerate Indonesia’s progress toward these targets by providing technology and resources so that more Indonesians can get tested for HIV– with a particular focus on Jakarta, where cases are highly concentrated.

“It’s a privilege to work with USAID and support Indonesia’s Ministry of Health to help meet the country’s 90-90-90 targets and fight HIV/AIDS effectively. Abbott has always been an early innovator, moving quickly to address health needs, such as developing the world’s first HIV test,” said General Manager for Abbot’s molecular diagnostics business, Asia Pacific, Molecular Diagnostics Mahesh Natarajan.

He added, “Since 1994, our Global Viral Surveillance Programme has tracked HIV across six continents to help our tests keep pace with this evolving virus. Our technical know-how and innovative diagnostic testing will help Indonesia’s national reference laboratory network drive breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV.”

“USAID recognizes Indonesia’s firm commitment to ensuring that all Indonesians living with HIV/AIDS have an equal chance to live long, healthy, and productive lives. We share this vision and are proud to enter into a new partnership with Abbott in this space. Together, we will strengthen the ability of Indonesia’s laboratories to provide quality HIV/AIDS diagnosis– an important step toward getting patients on treatment and the road to good health,” said USAID Indonesia Mission Director Erin E. McKee.

In support of Indonesia’s National Lab Strategic Plan, the Abbott and USAID partnership advances Indonesia’s self-reliance in HIV/AIDS diagnostic and treatment services by leveraging private sector expertise and commitment to innovative, dynamic, and sustainable solutions.

This is just one of the U.S. Embassy’s health sector initiatives in Indonesia, which demonstrates the breadth of engagement under the U.S.-Indonesia Strategic Partnership.(T/R04/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)