Former rep calls for end of misconceptions against HIV community in Sarawak

KUCHING (March 6): Eliminating stigma surrounding people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a key priority in efforts to support affected communities, said former assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu.

She stressed the need for greater publicity and support to help change public perception and convey that people living with HIV can lead normal and productive lives.

“One of our main objectives is to eliminate the stigma surrounding people living with HIV and AIDS.

“That is why we need publicity and media support to deliver the message to society that people living with HIV can still lead normal lives,” she made these remarks during the Ramadan welfare programme ‘Satu Juadah, Seribu Keberkatan’ conducted by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) in collaboration with Teratak Kasih Tok Nan (TKTN).

The initiative involved visits to five aid recipients’ houses around Kuching on Thursday.

Jamilah added that with the latest developments in treatment and medication, many patients were able to live healthier lives under proper medical supervision.

The programme saw volunteers distributing food baskets and breaking-of-fast meals to families affected by HIV, with each household receiving assistance worth about RM250.

Also present were TKTN chairman Dr Ruziana Miss, MAF executive director Jasmin Jalil and representatives from partner organisations including Sunway Group.

Jamilah said the initiative, established in 2017, was part of ongoing efforts to support people living with HIV while raising public awareness.

According to Dr Ruziana, stigma and misconceptions about HIV remain prevalent, with some patients still facing discrimination in daily life.

“There are still individuals who are reluctant to work or even socialise with people living with HIV due to fear and misunderstanding about the disease.

“In reality, HIV is a disease that can be controlled through treatment, although there is still no complete cure.

“It is similar to other chronic illnesses where patients can continue to live normal lives if they receive treatment and take their medication consistently,” she said.

Dr Ruziana added that besides providing food assistance, the organisation also offers transportation subsidies of up to RM40, depending on the distance to treatment centres, to help patients attend clinics or hospitals.

“If patients need our assistance, our volunteers will send them to the clinic using our vehicles.

“For those who prefer to use e-hailing services, we will reimburse the travel cost based on the distance from their home to the health clinic,” she said.

The programme has assisted over 500 recipients across Sarawak, covering areas from Kuching to Lawas.

Meanwhile, Jasmin said the number of recipients depends largely on funds raised by the organisation.

The programme receives contributions from several corporate partners including Sunway Group, Petronas, CIMB, Yayasan Sime Darby and the Sarawak Islamic Religious Council (MIS).

“Since last year, the Sarawak Premier has also provided support in terms of operational costs to ensure the sustainability of this project in Sarawak,” he said.

Similar outreach programmes have also been held in other parts of Sarawak, including Bintulu during Chinese New Year, with another initiative planned in Miri in connection with the Gawai Dayak celebration.