PETALING JAYA: With rapidly improving statistics, Malaysia is likely to achieve zero AIDS-related deaths before the targeted 2015, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said that since 1986 when the first HIV-related case was detected in Malaysia, the number of cases had dropped drastically from the highest number in 2002 of 6,978 new cases (or 28.5 cases in 100,000 people) to 2,544 new cases as of September.
“If the number of cases per month does not change, the number of new HIV cases recorded this year is 3,392 cases or 11.8 cases in 100,000 people. Looking at this, there is a big possibility that the 2015 target will be achieved earlier,” he said in a statement.
He added that among the efforts by the Government to reduce the number of AIDS-related deaths was providing antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment.
“With the best ARV treatment, HIV patients are able to lead a longer and more meaningful life,” he said.
He urged those at risk of getting infected by HIV to come forward to be tested.
“Among other efforts was a programme to curb vertical transmission' by providing free ARV treatment to expecting mothers who are HIV-positive, as well as the prophylaxis drug to prevent other infections, with ARV, to their newborn babies,” he said.
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