Malaysia makes efforts to reduce new HIV infections

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is making efforts to reduce new HIV infections from 21.7 cases for every 100,000 of the population in year 2000 to 11 cases per 100,000 people by the end of 2015, an official said in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

In a speech delivered at the National-Level World Aids Day 2014 commemoration in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's Health Minister Dr. S. Subramaniam said "between January and September this year, 2,525 new HIV cases were reported. It is projected that by the year-end, there will be 3,367 new cases with the rate of infection at 11.2 for every 100,000 of the population," he said.

"The rate shows a drop compared to the highest rate at 28.5 cases per 100,000 of the population in 2002," he said.

Dr. Subramaniam said that up to September this year, 104,197 HIV infection cases, 21,111 AIDS cases and 16,918 deaths from the disease were reported, bringing the number of people living with HIV to 87,279.

He said the government would continue to ensure access to prevention measures, treatment, care and support services are given in a fair and comprehensive manner.

"Among the efforts that we have done is expanding screening covering various categories for early HIV detection and early treatment," he said.