‘Awareness needed to stem rise in HIV’
Those affected must know early detection, treatment can help them lead full lives, says doctor
Early detection and initiation of treatment can control HIV disease progression, prolong life expectancy and help prevent transmission of HIV to intimate partners; thus allowing people living with HIV to lead normal and productive lives.
Dr Azlee Ayub
Raising awareness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) could lead to early detection and initiation of treatment, which would allow those affected to lead normal and productive lives, said divisional Health officer Dr Azlee Ayub.
He said more also needed to be done to de-stigmatise the disease so that society could accept HIV-positive people with an open mind.
“Early detection and initiation of treatment can control HIV disease progression, prolong life expectancy and help prevent transmission of HIV to intimate partners; thus allowing people living with HIV to lead normal and productive lives,” he said in his speech when launching the ‘Stand By Me’ charity run, here yesterday.
Dr Azlee said in Kuching Division, the number of HIV cases had more than doubled over a five-year period, mostly affecting males aged between 20 and 40.
“In 2013, the number of HIV cases in Kuching Division was 65. However, in 2018, a total of 144 cases were reported, and 12 of them passed away due to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)-related illnesses.”
He said society needed to understand that HIV was not a ‘dirty’ disease, and that there should be no reason for anyone to avoid or discriminate against those living with HIV.
“Our acceptance gives them the support and confidence in acquiring the appropriate treatment,” he added.
He said previously, people living with HIV could only obtain treatment at hospitals, but the treatment has now also been delegated to primary healthcare facilities such as polyclinics with family medicine specialists; thus making it easier for patients to get treatment.
Dr Azlee also noted that the misconceptions surrounding HIV could lead to poor understanding and improper messages circulating among the community, making awareness important in allowing those living with or affected by HIV to lead normal lives.
“The HIV virus cannot survive outside the human body, such as on the skin, clothes, in the air or water, and HIV is not transmitted through kissing, shaking hands, hugging, sharing food or utensils or sharing public amenities such as swimming pools and toilets.
“It is also not transmitted through sneezes, coughs, sweat, tears, urine and it is not transmitted through insect or animal bites. Therefore, we can continue to eat with them, work with them and socialise with them; they can definitely share a home with us.”
The ‘Stand By Me’ charity run, conducted by Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS) in collaboration with Health Department Sarawak, was divided into 3km and 7km categories.
Some 450 participants come together despite the rain to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. Also present at the charity run was SACS president Dr Yuwana Podin.
SACS is a non-profit organisation that conducts advocacy work specifically related to HIV / AIDS in Sarawak, and was formed in 1998 with the intent to educate the public about the facts and myths regarding HIV and AIDS as well as to reduce the stigma attached to it.
The organisation also aims to promote effective preventative measures in dealing with HIV and AIDS through nonjudgemental, non-discriminatory and holistic approaches.