By Malaysian AIDS Council
THE Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) alongside its partner organisations across Malaysia will be commemorating the International AIDS Memorial Day 2021 with the main purpose of remembering and honouring the lives of those who have passed in their fight against AIDS since the epidemic first reported in Malaysia in the 1980s.
Celebrated globally every year on the third Sunday of May, this year both MAC with its sister organisation Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) created the theme ‘Always in Our Hearts’ which is to be observed on Sunday, 16 May 2021.
From 1986-2019, a total of 44,829 AIDS-related deaths have been reported. In 2019 alone, 986 AIDS-related deaths were reported. The advancement of HIV-related medical research year by year has shown that People Living with HIV (PLHIV) can live longer and healthier lives.
Furthermore, antiretroviral treatment gives hope to the community and provides them a second chance to live like other individuals.
MAC is ever grateful for the tireless efforts of the Malaysian Government in providing medicine and health access which has improved the lives of those living with HIV significantly
Despite the advancement of HIV treatment, only 57% of PLHIV are on treatment. In order for Malaysia to achieve its vision of zero deaths related to HIV, we need to ensure more PLHIV get on treatment.
AIDS related deaths and complications are preventable if PLHIV initiate treatment as early as possible.
“Those who have left us are our heroes. This is a timely event that they are being remembered and we celebrate their lives,” remarked MAC President, Datuk Dr. Christopher Lee.
“The biggest challenge still is the stigma and discrimination. Currently, there are 77,903 PLHIV in Malaysia. Shower them with love and treat them just like anybody else you meet, passionately and full of acceptance.”
MAC also would like to strongly reiterate that PLHIV shouldn’t be left aside during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination for PLHIV has to be encouraged and prioritised.
Also, MAC hopes that the Malaysian government will support the demands put forward by the community of PLHIV and stakeholders at the United Nation General Assembly High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS on June 8 to 10.
As COVID-19 continues to be prioritized, let us not forget the treatment of other diseases. Ongoing investment and efforts in HIV prevention and treatment must continue to save many lives from unnecessary deaths including that related to HIV/AIDS. – May 14, 2021
The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) is an umbrella organisation of multiple partner NGOs, committed to creating an environment free from the negative impacts of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
