BY ABIDGAIL MERTA GANGGANG
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The International AIDS Memorial Day aims to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS and honour individuals who have dedicated themselves to supporting people living with and affected by HIV.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen officiated at the ceremony at La Promenade Mall yesterday which was organised by Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS), highlighting the importance of community support and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
With the theme “Spread Love and Solidarity to Build Stronger Communities”, Dr Yii emphasised the need to combat the stigma and self-stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
He stressed the importance of spreading love and solidarity within communities, highlighting how these values play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by individuals living with the virus.
Drawing parallels between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the AIDS pandemic, Dr Yii discussed the significance of community involvement in tackling health crises.
“One of the initiatives to address HIV/AIDS in the community is through Projek Bangkit, which helps people living with HIV reintegrate into the workforce through collaboration with organisations like PERKESO.
It provides job placement and skill training to Sarawakian individuals, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the local economy,” he added.
Another initiative discussed by Dr Yii during his address was free testing provided under the Harm Reduction Programme to ensure access to testing but also offers awareness and psycho-social support to individuals who are sexually active.
“Community health workers from SACS have been approved by the Ministry of Health to conduct community-based testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C,” he said.
Meanwhile, president of SACS Stewie Astly strongly underscored discrimination issues despite the advances in treatment and the importance of breaking the stigma so that no one is left behind.
The ceremony was also attended by Sarawak State Health Department AIDS officer Dr Ruziana Miss, Samarahan Health Office Epidemiology officer Dr Euphrasia Bari, Samarahan Health Office Infectious Disease Control Unit medical officer Dr Wendy Vecca, Malaysian AIDS Foundation executive director Jasmin Jalil and Event and Corporate Communication manager of Hock Seng Lee Sophia Ong.
