BINTULU: The selection of Bintulu as the third branch of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan reflects concerns overs the incidence of HIV in Sarawak, underscoring the need for continuous treatment and support for affected groups.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the opening of the Bintulu branch is a strategic step to ensure that HIV/AIDS patients receive appropriate treatment and support.
Although the latest figures show a slight decline to 13 cases per 100,000 population, the issue remains a cause for concern.
“Beyond the medical treatment provided by the Ministry of Health (MoH), Teratak Kasih Tok Nan also assists with patient transportation to treatment centres, ensuring that no individual is left out from receiving essential treatment,” he said at a press conference after officiating the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Bintulu Branch on Tuesday.
He stressed that awareness of HIV/AIDS needs to be strengthened, as there are still many individuals who require treatment.
“Like COVID-19, although the pandemic appears to be subsiding, the virus still exists and requires the continued practice of healthy habits such as wearing face masks and maintaining hand hygiene,” he said, emphasising that sustained preventive practices can reduce the impact of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
He added that the opening of the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan branch in Bintulu marks the continuity of social and public health efforts, with the state government, communities and non-governmental organisations working together to ensure that HIV patients have access to appropriate treatment and support.
He also expressed appreciation to the patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, who has long been a supporter and driving force behind the initiative through various charitable bodies, including the Sacred Heart Foundation founded by the late Datuk Amar Laila Taib, and now through the Malaysian AIDS Foundation.
At the same press conference, Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said a collaborative approach between the state government, the federal government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is essential, in line with the National Strategic Plan to End AIDS, including the National HIV and AIDS Replenishment Plan.
She said the integrated approach not only strengthens the community-based public health response but also directly contributes to efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against individuals affected by HIV.
