HIV/AIDS is a growing epidemic across Indonesia, including Bali. More and more people within the community are becoming vulnerable to HIV infection. The Bali Government HIV Commission reports that the number of people with HIV in Bali is rapidly increasing.

MBM is concerned about these alarming statistics and has been working with the community, the church and leaders to remove the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

The community education provided by the division includes educating members of the church and community leaders on what HIV/AIDS is, why it is a growing concern in Bali and what steps can be taken to reduce the increasing number of cases of the disease. A special module has been created as an educational tool for all GKPB congregations and has been successful in creating awareness of the issue of HIV/AIDS. However, changing the attitudes towards HIV /AIDS is a challenge.

MBM works intensively to prevent HIV transmission from mother to the baby. The team routinely does data collecting and special assistance to pregnant mothers. MBM’s goal is that no baby would have HIV transmitted from his or her mother among MBM constituents and GKPB congregations. This program is also aimed at decreasing the maternal and infant mortality rate in Bali.

MBM also works with people living with HIV/AIDS to increase their quality of life, through appropriate care, support and treatment programs.

Success story.

RevRecita, minister of the GKPB, had received basic training to become a HIV/AIDS volunteer but still had some doubts. A member of his congregation was sick and was presumed to be suffering from AIDS. He was afraid to visit the patient, therefore he asked for assistance from MBM.

MBM visisted the man with Rev Recita and found that he was in a serious condition and needed immediate medical assistance. The man’s neighbours were silent and astonished,as they watched MBM staff touching and carrying the HIV infected man. Before MBM had come, no one had dared visit him nor touch him.
This experience has encouraged RevRecita to acknowledgethat HIV is not transmitted through physical contact. MBM staff have also shown how to assist people in accessing the healthcare using the Bali Mandara Health Insurance, a health servive funded through tax.

RevRecita has now become very active in giving education about HIV and assisting People Living With AIDS (PLWA). He does this all, not only in the congregation where he serves as a minister, but also for all people in Tangun Wesia village, Seririt, Singaraja.