HIV Cases Increase Among Malaysian Students, Majority Infected Through Sexual Relations

Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) (The Vibes)

JAKARTA - Cases of HIV infection among students and school students in Malaysia continue to increase, with most of the transmission occurring through sexual activity.

Dr. Zaiton Yahaya, Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF), revealed that people aged between 20 and 29 were most affected by HIV. A figure of 44 percent of the total detected HIV cases was recorded.

"For school students aged between 13 and 19 years, four percent of them have been confirmed to have HIV, with the majority infected through sexual intercourse," Zaiton said, quoted from the New Straits Times page.

The highest number of cases was found in those who had just graduated from school and students, who generally did not realize the risk of transmission.

"However, HIV transmission through drug use is decreasing, because we consistently run an awareness program about the dangers of sharing syringes," said Zaiton.

Facing an increase in sexually transmitted HIV cases, Zaiton stressed that they have stepped up awareness initiatives to ensure patients know where they can seek help and support.

This was conveyed after the Aidilfitri Open House event with the community and the launch of the ProtectNow Hub organized by MAC and MAF.

Zaiton added that the increasing number of cases among young people, various awareness programs about HIV infection, had been implemented in schools and universities.

Based on the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health, the total number of HIV patients recorded from 1986 to 2023 reached 135,035 people, with 54,365 cases originating from sexual transmission.

"There have been eight new cases of HIV infection involving children under the age of 13. Recent records show that 62 percent of HIV infections occur among homosexual and bisexual individuals, while 33 percent occur among heterosexual couples," Zaiton explained.

Zaiton said that with an inclusive digital approach, the ProtectNow Hub aims to empower individuals in making the right decisions regarding their health.

"We are facing major changes in HIV infection, with the increasing number of new cases among young people and the target community. ProtectNow represents the approach." Zaiton said.