Unfinished War Against AIDS among Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI)

The HIV epidemic in Indonesia is the fastest growing in Asia. At the end of 2009, it was estimated more than 300,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia and it would double in 2014 approximately more than 500.000 peoples. The HIV epidemic in Indonesia is a concentrated epidemic and it varies across regions, except in Papua with 2.4%, HIV prevalence among 15-49 years old population. HIV situation in Papua is low level generalized epidemic category, it means that The spread of HIV in Papua at this time is no longer confined to "high-risk populations“ but has been endemic impact in the community.

Regarding to increase of TNI HIV prevalence, TNI Commander in Chief made a Policy to scale up on HIV/AIDS Program among TNI, with emphasize to supporting HIV prevention in the military, and has promised to devote his full attention to the issue given the particular vulnerability of soldiers to HIV infection. It is essential that the HIV prevention effort in the military be scaled up to enhance AIDS services, including in the front-line commands and increased socialization and the provision of information to their families. Be aware that in performing their duties, soldiers are frequently far removed from their families for long periods of time like join with UN peace keeping forces. This, obviously, increases the risk of HIV infection among TNI.

TNI Surgeon General at the strategic level have responsible on HIV/AIDS prevention program among TNI and work together, shoulder to shoulder with Army, Navy, Air Force medical Services war against AIDS to be scaling up prevention effort, Scaling Up Services System and Scaling Up Partnership as a Strategy. This following of TNI HIV program priority:

1. HIV Prevention, Scale Up effective intervention to:

a. Unprotected Sexual Intercourse

b. PMTCT

c. IDU

e. Education & Training

2. Care, Support & Treatment, Scale up

a. Health Service

b. Treatment of Opportunistic Infection & ART

c. Psychological and social support

3. HIV/AIDS Surveillance/Screening:

a. Recruitment

b. Pre and Post Deployment

4. Strengthening to:

a. Management and Institutional Capacity

b. Program Planning

Goal.

- How to protect the TNI member from HIV transmission.

- Improving quality of life TNI with HIV positive and do not transmit to others or their couples.

TNI Challenge for AIDS

Mostly financial resource is from donor, No TNI budget for AIDS program. TNI Welcome to National and International Partners, bilateral, multilateral, international NGOs and foundations. PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) have contributed financial and technical support to the HIV/AIDS response within TNI