ART SERVICES
The clinic doctors provide medical management for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs) are dispensed through the doctors and virus levels are monitored through on-site CD4 testing. Types of ARV currently available at the Kerti Praja Foundation are: AZT/ZDV (zidovudine), 3TC (lamivudine), Nevirapine, Efavirenz and Tenofovir. Our medical staff provide counseling services especially for managing the medication side effects and concerning the importance of ARV adherence. Additionally, the staff are trained to monitor and treat opportunistic infections.
Previously, it was national recommendation for a client to wait until their CD 4 level declined to 350, however, recent policy stipulates that all PLWHA from most-at-risk populations (female sex workers, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sero-discordant couples and transgender) should begin therapy soon or at the same day with HIV testing, regardless of CD4 count. This new policy works on the understanding that the earlier a client begins therapy, the greater the chance their health will remain stable and their viral load remain low reducing the possibility of transmission to others.
The Kerti Praja Foundation is able to provide ARVs free of charge through support from the Indonesian Government. ARVs are free for all Indonesian nationals.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a month long course of HIV drugs that someone takes very soon after unprotected sex/intravenous drug use which had a risk of HIV transmission. The sooner PEP is started, the more likely it is to work; within 24 hours is best, but no later than 72 hours as after this time the chances of PEP working grow less. After HIV gets in the bloodstream it takes time before it replicates in the body, therefore if a person who has been exposed to the virus acts quickly it is more likely they are able to stop the virus from replicating.
Unfortunately, due to current protocol from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, registered clinics are unable to directly dispense PEP to non-Indonesian citizens. Nevertheless, we can provide you with a prescription for one form of PEP (AZT + 3TC and Nevirapine), which you can then take to Kimia Farma in Jln Diponegoro, Denpasar and Kimia Farma at Sanglah Hospital. Although the Kerti Praja Foundation is unable to directly administer PEP, we will provide consultation support during the PEP and are available for counseling if you need someone to speak with confidentially at any time.
If you are continuing your stay in Bali, or traveling on, it is important that you conduct a follow-up test 6 weeks after, then again in 3 months time. Remember your initial HIV blood test may not indicate your actual HIV status. Ask for copies of your consultation documentation before you leave Bali, as these will be needed when you conduct your follow up examinations. If you will travel to other parts of Indonesia, ask your PEP doctor for information on HIV test center locations.