Rise due to risky behaviour

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Issues involving sexuality and drug use as well as the link to HIV/AIDS need to be discussed more openly and thoroughly, said the Malaysian AIDS Council.
President Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said in a statement that one of the council’s functions was to act as a bridge between the Government and the community in dealing with these controversial and sensitive issues.
She was clarifying a report in The Star yesterday that quoted her as saying that homosexuality was one of the reasons why HIV/AIDS was so widespread.
She was also quoted as saying that if the issue could be tackled with the Government's help, the number of people infected could be reduced.
Clarifying further on the report, Dr Adeeba said she had responded to a query at a press conference on Saturday to mark the council’s 8th biennial general meeting and did not, at any stage, ascribe the widespread rise in HIV to homosexuality.
“MAC has always maintained a stand that the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in the country is due to risky behaviour and not perceived risky groups of people.”
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to HIV treatment, prevention and care in a non-discriminatory and non-judgmental manner.