By ARIANA FIDELIA
MIRI: The state government will not take things lightly although the
number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections reported in Sarawak is relatively small.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said cooperation from relevant authorities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is therefore important to combat its spread.
“The government recognises the importance of dealing with HIV infection from further spreading through a collaboration led by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF).
“This collaboration is one of the efforts to create a healthy society free from HIV/AIDS,” he said in a speech read by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting in conjunction with the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Miri Branch Gala Night here on yesterday (Aug 6).
Abang Johari said the discovery of antiretroviral (ARV) HIV drugs has given a positive impact on the lives of people suffering from HIV by helping to improve their health status and overall quality of life.
“They can now continue their education, work, marriage, become parents and experience the aging phase just like people without HIV.
“In addition, ARVs also have a high potential to prevent the transmission of HIV from one person to another,” he explained.
In light of this, Abang Johari urged the public to immediately eliminate all stigma and discrimination against people suffering from HIV and treat the concerned group with full respect and dignity.
He said the concerned group should not be isolated because there is no reason to be afraid to be around them since HIV is not easily transmitted through normal contact or through the air.
At the same time, he urged anyone who feels they are at high risk of HIV infection or have been confirmed infected to come forward and seek treatment.
This is because it is the only way to fight the infection and get a second chance in life and in this day and age no one should experience HIV infection again, he added.
In line with this, he praised the efforts of MAF and those involved in dealing with HIV infection in the state.
He allocated RM50,000 to MAF to help the operation of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Miri Branch.
