KUCHING: Sarawak recorded 217 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in 2024, translating to 8.62 cases per 100,000 people.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said Kuching reported the highest percentage of new infections at 34.1 per cent, followed by Bintulu (16.5 per cent) and Miri (16.1 per cent).
He said the national trend has shown a 50 per cent decrease in new HIV infections since 2010, but key global targets remain unmet.
“We still haven’t achieved the 95-95-95 formula, where 95 per cent are tested, 95 per cent of those treated, and 95 per cent achieve viral suppression.
“As of this year, we’re at 64-94-93. So 64 per cent of HIV-positive individuals are tested, 94 per cent treated, and 93 per cent have viral suppression.
“About 76 per cent of new cases involve men who practise high-risk lifestyles. We have solutions, but they must come forward for testing,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable Antiretroviral Drugs and Workshop on Promoting CommunityBased Testing and Treatment for Key Populations at Hilton Hotel here today.
Lukanisman encouraged greater public awareness to reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment for people living with HIV.
Creating a safe environment, he added, is key to ensuring that patients are not afraid to get tested and seek proper treatment.
He stressed it is crucial that people living with HIV are not discriminated against, as early treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
“We have solutions to help this group, but they must come forward to get tested.
“Community-based testing is carried out among key populations by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who are familiar with these groups. We provide them with test kits to make it easier for individuals to step forward.
“It’s important that we create a safe space for HIV patients to seek treatment without fear, and to encourage them to undergo HIV testing,” he said.
