TAIPING: The rate of new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in Malaysia decreased significantly last year.
Perak Health Director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha reported that the infection rate last year was 9.7 per 100,000 people, compared to 28.5 in 2022.
"In Perak, the new HIV infection rate also fell, from 6.2 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 4.86 in 2023.
"I have personally observed numerous screening, treatment, and health education initiatives in collaboration with both government and non-governmental agencies to reduce virus transmission," he said at the state-level World Aids Day Celebration on Saturday (Nov 23).
Dr Feisul also mentioned that last year, Malaysia maintained the mother-to-child HIV transmission rate at 1.58%, below the target of less than 2% among HIV-positive mothers who do not breastfeed.
"There have been no mother-to-child HIV transmission cases under the Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (EMTCT) Programme for the last five years, from 2019 to 2023," he said.
He noted that ongoing efforts to raise awareness include the Healthy Without Aids Programme for Teenagers (Prostar), held in schools for children aged 13 to 18.
"The programme emphasises behavioural modification and changes to achieve optimal health by practising a healthy and risk-free lifestyle," he added.
Dr Feisul stated that the Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, has introduced a new initiative called "HIV Self-Testing" or "HIV Self-Test."
He explained that the HIV Self-Test Kit can now be purchased at participating pharmacies or via the Test Now website (testnow.com.my).
"Our efforts to end Aids within the next six years is not an easy task.
"However, I believe that with leadership, policies, commitment, collaboration, and the determination shown by various parties, the dream of ending Aids by 2030 can be achieved," he added.
