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28 Locals Infected By HIV/AIDS
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Of The 28 locals infected by HIV/AIDS, mostly through sexual intercourse, 17 have died, the Minister of Health revealed yesterday.

Nineteen were males. Some 79% of the infections occurred to those aged between 20-49 years-old.

Citing the fact that it does not indicate any significant increase, we should not be complacent, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Suyoi said at the World AIDS Day 2005 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

The government of His Majesty through the Ministry of Health has carriedout and taken appropriate actions to implement its commitment to counter AIDS epidemic, he said.

"Among the steps and commitment that have been carried-out were health education activities and awareness on HIV/AIDS through campaign at the national level; ensuring the blood supply is safe; providing services to HIV/AIDS patients including anti-viral medicines and counselling as well as scrutinising infection trend through surveillance activities," the minister said.

Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi added the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated five million new infections this year and 40.3 million people will live with HIV throughout this world. This year, over three million have died of AIDS, out of which 500,000 were children.

New evidence indicates that a change in attitude plays a crucial role towards the reduction of HIV infection among adults in many countries. However, a latest report from the United Nations revealed HIV infection has shown an upward trend.

Hence, preventive measures are needed against AIDS epidemic. World AIDS campaign stressed four major elements to ensure the commitment is implemented, through effective national planning; wider cooperation against - HIV/AIDS; strengthening the role and effort of the local community, women and youth associations. and having adequate financial budget.

The World AIDS Day has two broad themes, "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise" and "Stop AIDS. Make the Promise". Both themes are related with the overall aspiration of the World AIDS Day, which is to strengthen and support effective and continuous action against AIDS epidemic.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the organising committee, Datin Paduka Hjh Rokiah, called on the private sector and individuals to contribute to the AIDS Council. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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