From 2020 to 2024, a total of 1,091 students at institutions of higher learning (IPT) were diagnosed with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Last year alone, 222 students were reported to have tested positive for the virus that attacks the human’s immune system, slowly and discreetly.
Majority of the students diagnosed with HIV last year were only 18 and 19 years old.
Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, said the concerning uprising trend indicates early exposure to unprotected sex, the habit of sharing needles, and the abuse of illicit substances. He said the increase in cases among IPT students was a clear sign that more aggressive interventions needed to be implemented, including considering harm reduction strategies tailored for youth.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
According to Datuk Lukanisman, among the initial steps introduced is the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) – an HIV prevention medication which studies show can reduce the risk of infection when taken consistently. The Ministry of Health, however, is facing a major challenge in providing access to self-screening tests to minors, as they do not have specific legislation.
“We need parental permission to conduct self-tests and treatment. This makes it quite difficult for teenagers who want to come forward,” Lukanisman said at a press conference, reported Utusan.
Meanwhile, Head of the HIV/STI and Hepatitis C Sector, Disease Control Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH), Dr Fazidah Yuswan, informed that 29,941 or 36 per cent of the 83,937 individuals infected with HIV had not yet been identified as of last year.
Community screening, including expanding the use of HIV self-test kits for at-risk groups are being carried out, especially those who are shy or reluctant to come forward for testing at health facilities
In April this year, the Honorary Secretary of the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF), Dr Zaiton Yahaya, said that many of the university students infected with HIV are aged between 20 and 29. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also on the rise due to multiple sexual partners.
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