An HIV epidemic is knocking on Malaysia’s door

An HIV epidemic is knocking on Malaysia’s door.

This startling conclusion was reached by the World Health Organisation (WHO) after its officials studied statistics and spoke to Ministry of Health personnel.

It disclosed that some 15,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS in Malaysia. Dr Hans Tieru, the WHO representative, said that the development of the HIV situation here was being monitored closely by the world organisation.

"It was only after studies were carried out that a finding was made that Malaysia was at the initial stage of an HIV epidemic," he said. This was reported in the UNAIDS/WHO Report on the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic 2004.

Nearly 65,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV since 1996. Of this number, 9,444 have developed full- blown AIDS and 7,195 have died.

But the authorities and non-governmental organisations believe the official figures are only a conservative estimate.

Drug use lies behind the bulk of the HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia. There are 130,000 intravenous drug users, many of whom share needles, raising the risk of infection.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said he was troubled by the WHO finding. "This is a challenge for all Malaysians. We have to find a way to stop the spread of HIV," he said.

The situation called for radical approaches, including free distribution of condoms and clean needles to stop the spread of infection among drug users, he said.

But Dr Chua also sounded a note of caution. Though most HIV-positive Malaysians were drug addicts, a growing number of people were being infected through sexual contact.

---NST


The controversial plan to issue condoms and needles to halt the spread of HIV among drug users looks set to take off.


All Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek has to do is convince influential religious leaders next week that the alternative to the scheme is unthinkable.

"Together with the minister in charge of religious affairs, I will meet the ulamas. We will tell them that what we are doing is to prevent the spread of the disease to a worrying stage," he said.

Dr Chua said under the plan slated to start in October, 130,000 intravenous drug users would be given clean needles. More than 70 per cent of this group who are sexually active will be given condoms.

This harm reduction regime will save 90,000 Malaysians from being infected with HIV/AIDS.

"This will save the Government RM500 million a year in terms of treatment with drugs alone," he said.

Many religious groups have shot down the idea, saying that giving condoms will only encourage sexual promiscuity.

Dr Chua said that condoms would only be given to a targeted group of people — drug users, and will be under close supervision by trained professionals.

The latest figures show that 64,439 people were infected with HIV. If nothing is done to curb the spread of the disease, the number of HIV cases will escalate to 300,000 by 2015.

---NST