MIRI – Kuching and Miri have been seeing high levels of HIV and AIDS cases for the past five years within the community due to the “high-risk lifestyles” among certain segments of the people.
Federal Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni today said Sarawak’s two biggest cities have seen HIV and AIDS infections persist at high levels every year continuously from 2017 to 2022.
Speaking when meeting various quarters involved in the setting up of the Pusat Teratak Kasih Tok Nan HIV and AIDS halfway home in Miri, he said more needs to be done to counter the spread of the disease.
“According to official statistics from the state Health Department, Kuching contributed 29.4% of the total number of HIV and AIDS cases in Sarawak, while Miri saw about 18%.
“These official statistics are showing community spread of infections, especially among those with high-risk lifestyles.
“Both the private and public sectors and society as a whole must help the government in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” he said.
He stressed that the ministry’s action plan is to eliminate HIV and AIDS’ spread by 2030 but this cannot be done by the ministry alone.
Lukanisman said the halfway home is crucial in helping sufferers turn over a new life.
Those rehabilitated can integrate into society again and work to support themselves and their families, he said.
He urged society to not stigmatise sufferers and to give them a chance to live normally in society.
Official data from the state Health Department from 2017 to 2022 showed Kuching with some 800 cases of HIV, Miri with 488 cases, Sibu 454, and Bintulu 366. – The Vibes, August 6, 2023
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