KK records most HIV cases — Mayor
KOTA KINABALU: The government is committed to improve the lives of those suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), said Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.
He said the scope of services, such as treatments and early diagnosis of patients have been expanded and the response from the public has been positive.
“As of October 2017, a total of 762 people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been receiving treatment. With this new anti retro-viral treatment (ARV) criteria, more HIV patients will be able to benefit from it.
“The Health Ministry hopes that at least 80% of PLHIV will be eligible to undergo this treatment,” Yeo said in his officiating speech, read by City Hall Environmental Health Department director Robert Lipon at the World Aids Day 2017 (Kota Kinabalu District) event yesterday.
The government, through the Health Ministry, is determined to achieve the country’s goal in ensuring that patients will receive effective treatments through ARVs, counselling, care and support that will lead to the reduction of AIDS cases.
As of 2017, a total of 21 health clinics and community clinics, as well as four government hospitals have been providing various facilities for members of the public who wish to learn more about HIV and AIDS. This also include HIV screening facilities, like HIV tests for pregnant mothers and many more.
“Therefore, I urge the people of Sabah, especially the citizens of Kota Kinabalu, to utilize the facility so that they can know their health status and can take the necessary measures provided,” Yeo said.
The government has set its target to reduce the notification rate of new HIV cases from 21.7 for every 100,000 citizens in 2000 to 11 for every 100,000 citizens in 2015.
In 2016, Kota Kinabalu recorded the highest number of HIV and AIDS cases in the state, with 108 HIV cases, 39 AIDS cases, resulting in one HIV death and 12 AIDS deaths.
Also present at the event was District Health Officer Dr Jiloris @ Julian Fredrick Don, who disclosed that the State Health Department through the City Health Office of Kota Kinabalu is still in the ‘Getting to Zero HIV in 2020’ phase.
The programme, themed ‘Kesihatan Hak Anda, Manfaatkan Rawatan, Akhiri AIDS’ (Your Rights to Health, Utilize Treatment and Stop AIDS) was held at the University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) yesterday.
In attendance was UCSF vice chancellor Dr Mohamed Haleem Mohamed Razi.