Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation: Annual Report 2014

The Ministry of Health’s 2014 statistics on HIV and AIDS show a slight increase of 3,517 HIV cases from 3,393 in 2013 to 3,517 new cases with a total cumulative of 105,189 HIV cases. The trend indicates a 78 per cent increase in sexual relations comprising homo/bisexuals and heterosexuals.

While women and girls continue to be susceptible to HIV infection and experience HIV related health disparities, youths have also been found to be at risk. Hence, the implementation of the Red Ribbon Youth Club (RRYC) programme by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF), through its sister organisation Malaysia Aids Council (MAC), is pertinent in spreading awareness and education on HIV and AIDS among the youths, especially students in institutions of higher learning.

Education and awareness programmes have also been designed to change the mindset and perception of society at large towards people living with HIV, especially with regards to stigma and discrimination against them and their families.