About Bali Peduli

BALI PEDULI came about in response to the alarming increases of HIV among young people in Bali, many of whom were dying because they presented so late in the disease it was difficult to help.  It was felt the new approaches were needed that eliminated barriers to access namely cost, multiple visits to multiple clinics and stigmatizing care enviornments that made people uncomfortable. This new paradigm is being supported and developed by an informal group of concerned Bali residents under the guidance of Dr. Steve Wignall MD.
Founder/Advisor: Dr. Steve Wignall MD

Dr. Wignall is an HIV physician and clinical researcher who serves as advisor to the Indonesian National AIDS Commission on HIV and STI prevention and care issues for men who have sex with men and Senior Medical Advisor to the Clinton Foundation's efforts with the Provincial Health Department to increase access to treatment for HIV+ people in Papua Province

WHY IS THERE A NEED ON BALI?

  • HIV continues to expand in many high risk communities in Indonesia
  • HIV rates among injecting drug users in Bali are greater than 55%
  • HIV rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bali are 13-19% 
  • HIV rates among female sex workers are 23%
  • HIV rates among transgenders on Bali are greater than 40%

LESS THAN 10% of the high-risk group members pursue testing for HIV due to stigma, shame, cost, and service challenges which discourage clients.

Cost of care means many in need do not get care. Most cases of HIV are detected in late stages of disease making treatment and subsequent recovery difficult.

Lack of testing and treatment leads to continued transmission.

WHAT IS PROPOSED FOR BALI?

  • BALI PEDULI will provide an expanded diagnostic and care clinic for individuals at risk for and already infected with HIV. This idea is modeled on the successful Siloam Clinic at Bangkok Christian Hospital, with the addition of anti-retroviral therapy
  • The BALI PEDULI program will offer and promote friendly, confidential services to MSM (men-who-have-sex-with-men) and all at-risk communities on Bali
  • The BALI PEDULI program will offer early testing and treatment, promotion of responsible sexual behaviors, along with easy access to high quality medical services either free or modest cost depending on ability to pay
    The BALI PEDULI program will offer expanded clinic hours so that individuals can access services without having to take time off from work
  • The BALI PEDULI program will be offered at Bali Medika Clinic* in Kuta, an established general medical clinic managed by a trained sexual health expert, which will allow anonymity vs. a purpose based clinic.
  • The BALI PEDULI program will establish a network of concerned specialists for efficient and timely specialty referral, e.g. if there is a need for surgery, psychological counseling, nutritional advice, or home-based care services.