70,000 Malaysians Contracted HIV Since 1986

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- It is estimated that more than 70,000 Malaysians have been infected with HIV resulting in more than 8,000 deaths since the first positive cases was detected 20 years ago, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said despite this disturbing statistics, HIV in Malaysia remained unseen and hidden while it is still a subject many Malaysians preferred not to confront.
"We prefer to see it only from a distance and speak of it only when we absolutely have to," he said while addressing the Red Ribbon Gala 2006 dinner organised by the Malaysia Aids Foundation, here Sunday.
Also present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.
Najib said HIV was an unfounding human catastrophe that must be addressed.
He said more than 80 per cent of those infected with HIV were in the 20 to 40 age group.
Najib said the government was aware that HIV/Aids must be dealt whole-heartedly and expeditiously.
In the Ninth Malaysian Plan the government has committed significant resources towards greater efforts in controlling the HIV/ Aids.
"There has to be a concerted effort to fight the HIV/Aids by all parties. Experience from around the world has shown that partnership between government, community, the business sector, the media and NGO's are critical in combating the epidemic," he said.
Najib said the role of companies and corporation in this regard was more important.
At the same event, Staff Nurse Jubaidah Bee Nagoor Pitchay was awarded the Dr Siti Hasmah Award by the Malaysian Aids Foundation for her contribution in treating Aids patients.