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Abstract
Quality health services for injecting drug users (IDUs) at a rural health center in Indonesia
E.B. Wachjuni
Issues: In the Gondanglegi subdistrict in Java, injecting drug use is a serious problem. A survey by a harm reduction NGO estimated 250 IDUs among a population of less than 83,000. Of 138 IDUs contacted over the last year, 18 have AIDS of whom 14 have died.
Description: Following the survey, the local health center started to offer services for IDUs, including primary health care, HIV testing, addiction counseling, detoxification, and peer support, including for families. With NGO, the clinic staff started advocacy with local religious leaders, police and the district AIDS Commission, in an effort to minimize stigma and discrimination. We could not expect active users to attend the center if they werw afraid of being caught by police, so we built up mutual trust, urging acceptance of the need for health services for IDUs. We also arranged a separate entrance to the clinic for the users, within three month, 138 users had accessed the services, including weekly meeting with 15-20 users facilitated by a counselor.
Lessons learned: In a short time, we have proved that a rural health center can provide quality services which will attract active drug users in a safe environment. With sensitive outreach to local leaders and the community, thay can support these activities. we still face challenges in empowering HIV-infected users, who are usually still only identified at a late stage.
Recommendations: We now to extend these basic services to become a one-stop clinic offering needle exchange, methadone maintenence, and HIV treatment, including management of antiretroviral therapy to those who need it, working with the nearest referral hospital. More efforts are also needed to encourage acceptance of IDUs with AIDS by families and the community, including guidance on home care preparing bodies for burial.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WEPE0237
Suggested Citation
" E.B. Wachjuni
Quality health services for injecting drug users (IDUs) at a rural health center in Indonesia.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WEPE0237"
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