The Sarawak government remains steadfast in its mission to curtail the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as various parts of the state including Kuching, Miri and Sibu have witnessed a rise in cases over recent years.
Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, chairperson of the Malaysia AIDS Foundation (MAF), has elucidated that Sarawak is poised to emerge as a potential trailblazer in the pursuit of the ambitious goal of achieving AIDS-free status in the state by 2030 appears within reach.
In this, Dr Adeeba underscored that the realisation of this aspiration hinges on active community involvement.
Encouraging high-risk individuals to undergo testing and sustain access to HIV/AIDS treatment plays a pivotal role in this collective endeavour.
This third and final part of the series on this issue will delve into a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted initiatives undertaken by the state government in its resolute fight against these diseases.
Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS)
The Society for AIDS Care and Support (SACS) is an NGO dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS. Established in 1998, SACS aims to tackle the HIV/AIDS issue in Sarawak through a non-judgmental and comprehensive approach. The organisation focuses on preventive education and collaborates closely with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).
SACS was created based on recommendations from the Sarawak AIDS Network, which includes various government agencies such as the Health Department. As a partner organization of MAF, SACS aims to educate the public about HIV/AIDS facts and dispel myths. Moreover, SACS strives to reduce the stigma associated with the disease and promote effective measures for managing HIV/AIDS.
The society is governed by an executive committee comprised of volunteers. Additionally, a team of semi-volunteer outreach workers and caregivers conducts SACS activities. Currently, SACS operates two teams that serve the community. One team focuses on a harm reduction programme targeting key affected populations or high-risk groups, while the other team provides care and support for clients and PLHIV.
As part of the harm reduction programme, SACS receives a grant from the federal Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Malaysian AIDS Council. SACS personnel engage in various outreach efforts among high-risk groups, raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and STIs. They also offer free community-based testing for HIV and syphilis.
SACS staff and volunteers organise HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns for the public and at higher learning institutions. Additionally, they provide free voluntary HIV testing to the general public.
Despite the challenges faced since its establishment, SACS remains committed to spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS and the importance of screening.
Teratak Kasih Tok Nan
In 2017, Kuching witnessed the launch of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, Sarawak’s inaugural One-Stop Support Centre for PLHIV. This facility serves as temporary accommodation for HIV patients from rural areas in Sarawak, who require treatment at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
SACS, the partner organisation, operates the centre. Named by its patron, Datuk Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, wife of the late Premier Tan Sri Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, the centre is a heartfelt tribute to Adenan’s memory.
It symbolises hope, care, and an unwavering commitment to combatting HIV/AIDS in Sarawak. On MAF’s website, she emphasised the importance of the centre in fostering the well-being and societal progress of these communities, as everyone deserves a healthy life.
The establishment of a second Teratak Kasih Tok Nan in Miri in 2023, as announced by Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni, was driven by the escalating HIV/AIDS cases in the district.
Miri was chosen based on data-driven policies highlighting the rising incidence among high-risk groups. Lukanisman expressed plans to open another one-stop centre in Piasau Camp, highlighting the aim of collaborating with multi-sectoral industries like the Tripartite HIV Intervention Programme (THIP) to achieve the National Strategic Plan’s goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030.
Coordinating efforts for better outcome
Since assuming office as Chief Minister of Sarawak in 2018 (now known as Premier), Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has prioritised close collaboration between the state government, the Ministry of Health (MoH), and NGOs to support people living with HIV (PLHIV) and ensure their well-being is not overlooked.
A key initiative established by Abang Johari is Teratak Kasih Tok Nan, a crucial component in Sarawak that provides essential support for PLHIV, particularly in rural areas.
Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS), pioneers in HIV response in the state, for their dedication to raising public awareness and delivering prevention, treatment, and aftercare programs.
Recently, Abang Johari announced that the state will collaborate with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to coordinate efforts in combatting HIV/AIDS and achieving improved health outcomes. This commitment stems from recognising HIV/AIDS as a pressing concern under Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to eliminate the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Abang Johari acknowledged the significant evolution of the epidemic since its initial emergence three decades ago, emphasising the need for an evidence-based and contextually appropriate response informed by scientific knowledge.
He highlighted the transformative impact of Antiretroviral (ARV) medication on the lives of PLHIV, noting its substantial health benefits and enhanced overall quality of life. Moreover, ARV treatment plays a crucial role in preventing transmission between individuals.
Abang Johari emphasised the importance of seeking treatment for those at risk, enabling them to embrace a second chance at life while combating the virus.
In a separate statement, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, stressed the ongoing necessity of prevention programmes, including targeted screening and treatment, as crucial measures against HIV/AIDS.
Fatimah Abdullah called for collaborative efforts among relevant stakeholders, such as the State Health Department and Social Development Council, to conduct studies and develop effective solutions to combat these diseases.
She emphasised the significance of collective teamwork to achieve shared aspirations, highlighting the strategy’s focus on treatment, prevention, and support systems.
Among the programmes to be sustained are community talks, particularly targeting school students through partnerships with educational institutions. These efforts aim to educate students about HIV/AIDS, the local situation in Sarawak, and their potential roles in prevention and avoiding infection.
Fatimah Abdullah underlined the importance of broad engagement, involving health officers from the State Health Department and individuals in recovery, to ensure HIV/AIDS awareness becomes a vital lesson for all children. By instilling this knowledge early on, it is hoped that students will safeguard their futures and prevent the disease from undermining their well-being.
She emphasised the positive shift from a bleak outlook on HIV/AIDS in previous years to the current sense of hope. However, she stressed the need for individuals at high risk to seek proper treatment and highlighted the critical role of disease knowledge, as prevention is superior to treatment.
