Six new ways to fight AIDS

Star: THERE are six new ways to fight HIV/AIDS under the National Strategic Plan in the next five years.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the plan, approved by the Cabinet on April 12, would be implemented under the 9th Malaysia Plan with an allocation of RM500mil.
“One of the strategies is to strengthen aspects of leadership, commitment and collaboration in fighting AIDS at international, national, state and district level,” he told Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP–Kepong).
“Second is increasing technical capabilities and human and financial resources, and third to reduce the risks of HIV spreading among drug addicts and their sex partners.
He said there was a need to reduce the vulnerability of HIV spreading among women, teenagers and children and also among those ostracised by society such as sex workers, transsexuals and MSM (men having sex with men).
He said there should be greater accessibility of information on HIV/AIDS as well as services on prevention, cure, care and support to those infected.
Until March 31, there were 71,676 HIV infections, of which 10,959 were AIDS victims and 8,334 had died from AIDS.
Dr Chua said 88% of infections were men, with 70% due to the sharing of needles among addicts.
To a supplementary question, Dr Chua said it was difficult for the ministry to keep track of the real number of AIDS deaths as many were reported as having died of fever.
He said the Cabinet wanted courses on HIV/AIDS to be included in the National Service curriculum.