Health News
2007-02-13
HIV on the rise
in Malaysia
The number of HIV
infections in Malaysia could increase to 300,000 by
2015, reported the Associated Press.
HIV incidence is
The number of HIV
infections in Malaysia could increase to 300,000 by
2015, reported the Associated Press.
HIV incidence is
spreading quickly among drug addicts, women, fishermen,
truck drivers, and factory workers, said Ramlee Rahmat,
deputy director-general of public health, to the AP.
To date, 73,000 Malaysians have been infected with
HIV; 75% of those are intravenous drug users, and 7%
are women.
"Based on the
trend that we are seeing, HIV infections can escalate
to 300,000 cases by 2015 if we do not do anything," Ramlee
said. Aggressive steps to curb HIV transmission began
to be taken last year. They include needle
exchange programs and free antiretroviral drugs at
government clinics that serve women and children.
"We have put up
intervention measures. We are taking this very
seriously. If we carry out our plans effectively and the
public cooperates with us, we will be successful in
curbing the spread of the disease," added Ramlee.
Three people die
of AIDS-related illnesses every day in Malaysia, the
health ministry has reported. (The Advocate)
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