Walls –Coinciding with the Commemoration of World AIDS Day (1-2 December 2023), the FK Undiksha child development research group consisting of Ketut Espana Giri, SS.T., M.Kes, Hesteria Friska Armynia Subratha, SST., M.Kes and Nis’atul Khoiroh, M.Keb presented a poster of research results with the title “MOTIVATION FOR ACCESSING ARVS IN CARERS OF HIV CHILDREN” in PERNAS JPHIV (National Meeting of the Indonesian HIV Research Network) after successfully passing the abstract selection held by JPHIV-INA in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and UNAIDS with the theme “Encouraging HIV Prevention and Control Policies Based on the Best Scientific Evidence.“

This activity combines the National HIV Meeting (PERNAS) with the National Celebration of World AIDS Day which not only strengthens Indonesia’s commitment to overcoming the HIV AIDS epidemic but also highlights the synergistic collaboration between JPHIV and the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). This joint event leverages the resources and attention of both platforms, offering a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage in deeper dialogue, share best practices, and forge stronger collaboration. The event also showcases Indonesia’s progress, strategies, and innovations to a wider audience, combining local efforts with global aspirations.

This year’s FK Undiksha child development research group conducted qualitative research, using in-depth interview methods with caregivers of HIV-positive children aged 4-5 years (n=3) and health workers (n=3). Qualitative data analysis was carried out using thematic data analysis. Have received an Ethical Eligibility Letter No: 054/UN48.24.11/LT/ 2023. The research was conducted in September-October 2023 at the Buleleng Regency Community Health Centers.

This research found that: The three caregivers did not know about ARVs. One of the caregivers has not disclosed the HIV status of the child in the family, this is because he is afraid that the child will experience discrimination and stigma. AV retrieval is sometimes still assisted by NGOs or health workers because they are afraid of being seen by other people. Two respondents said they had never taken their children to posyandu because they did not know the benefits of posyandu and were afraid of experiencing discrimination. The main motivation for caregivers to access ARVs is to maintain children’s health so they don’t get sick because they don’t have government health insurance and are economically disadvantaged.

Another motivation is obtained from health workers who are friendly and always willing to help if a child is sick. Support from health workers can be seen in routine visits to children’s homes, bringing ARVs to children’s homes, and carrying out health checks for children who are HIV positive.(Red_FK)