KUALA LUMPUR – People living with HIV should not be sidelined while fighting Covid-19, but should be given treatment and priority for immunisation, said the Malaysian AIDS Council.
Its president Datuk Dr Christopher Lee said although vaccines and treatment for Covid-19 continued to be given priority, treatment for other diseases should not be sidelined.
“Investment and efforts in HIV prevention and treatment must continue to save lives from unnecessary deaths, including those related to HIV/AIDS,” he said in a statement today ahead of International AIDS Memorial Day on May 16.
International AIDS Memorial Day is celebrated yearly around the world on the third Sunday in May.
According to Lee, a total of 44,829 AIDS-related deaths were reported in the country from 1986 to 2019, and so far there are 77,903 people living with HIV in Malaysia.
“Despite advances in HIV treatment, only 57% of these people are undergoing treatment. In Malaysia’s efforts to achieve zero HIV-related deaths, it is necessary to ensure that more people with HIV are treated.
“AIDS-related deaths and complications can be prevented if these people start treatment as soon as possible,” added Lee. – Bernama, May 14, 2021
.jpg)
.jpg)
