BINTULU: Sarawak is intensifying its efforts to curb the HIV epidemic, with Bintulu identified as a priority area after recording 36 new cases in 2024, accounting for 16.6 per cent of the state’s total infections.
Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) patron and chairperson of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, said the focus on Bintulu aligns with this year’s World AIDS Day theme, ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response’, which calls for a more comprehensive transformation in combating HIV.
“Sarawak recorded 217 new HIV cases in 2024, with 66 per cent coming from Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu.
“Bintulu alone recorded 36 news cases, which highlights the need for more structured, targeted, and community-driven interventions.
“Transforming AIDS response requires a shift in approach, including strengthening community roles, normalising testing and prevention, and eliminating stigma, which remains the biggest barrier to treatment,” she said.
Her remarks were delivered via a speech read by Sarawak State Health Department HIV/STI/Hepatitis C Section Senior Assistant Director, Dr Ruziana Miss, during the World AIDS Day commemoration at Promenade Hotel last Monday.
Jamilah stated that community support initiatives – Teratak Kasih Tok Nan and Sarawak Health Access Programme (SHAPE) – will continue to expand to help underprivileged patients gain access to treatment.
In addition, the implementation of Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) is being intensified to bring services directly to high-risk groups.
She pointed out that stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles, particularly among youth who fear testing due to concerns over family or peer judgment.
In light of this, Jamilah urged local communities, healthcare providers, and district leadership to strengthen collaboration to expand treatment access, enhance factual education, and reinforce non-discriminatory policies.
