Methadone therapy to fight HIV/AIDS

Andi Hajramurni ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Makassar   |  Tue, 06/17/2008 10:05 AM  |  The Archipelago

The National AIDS Commission (KPA) is promoting methadone replacement therapy to drug users in a bid to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and stop drug abuse, says an official.

"One of the mediums for the spread of HIV/AIDS is needle sharing among intravenous drug users," KPA assistant secretary for program coordinating affairs Inang Winarso said ahead of the second National Congress on Harm Reduction in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

The congress, which runs through June 18, was inaugurated by Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie on Monday.

Inang added that it was no surprise that most intravenous drug users had become infected with HIV/AIDS.

Inang said the government should encourage drug users to take advantage of methadone replacement therapy. Methadone, which is orally taken, is less noxious than morphine hydrochloride and is widely used internationally as a substitute to help addicts kick their habit.

"Besides breaking the vicious circle of spreading HIV/AIDS through shared needles, the program is also intended as therapy for addiction to drugs, such as heroin," said Inang.

There are currently 24 methadone clinics in seven provinces catering to 3,000 intravenous drug users. KPA targets setting up 58 methadone clinics by the end of the year.

Three such clinics are found in South Sulawesi at the Wahidin Sudirohusodo Regional Hospital and the Kassi-Kassi and Ujungpandang Baru community health centers.

The Kassi-Kassi community health center, which has been providing the therapy since August last year, is treating around 120 patients.

"We have listed some 120 patients, but only around 70 to 80 of them come daily for regular therapy," said clinic head Mariaty Jassin on Sunday, adding the clinic was being used as a model for methadone therapy during the congress in Makassar.

Inang said that besides the program, the KPA had also provided free sterile needles for drug addicts, but this was still limited to certain areas. He expressed hope that its scope could be extended to more widely.

The congress is expected to discuss effective solutions for drug addiction and HIV/AIDS infection, as well as to bring forward a recommendation for the amendment of the narcotics law currently being deliberated by the House of Representatives.

The law has been called unfair to drug addicts, since drug users are often treated as criminals.

"They must not be regarded as criminals, but should get treatment to stop their addiction," said Inang.

During the congress, drug users from various areas also held a meeting to discuss the objectives of the Indonesian Drugs Victims Brotherhood.

Vice regents and mayors from across the country are also participating in the three-day meeting. They will hold discussions on HIV/AIDS prevention, since they also lead the Aids Prevention Commission in their respective areas.

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