KUCHING: Sarawak records about 200 new HIV/AIDS infections annually, Bandar Kuching member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii said, adding that the number is alarming.
He said he was informed by the state Health Department that there were about 3,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Sarawak, according to the latest data.
"This is not just about numbers. It is about real people who are our friends, our family members, our colleagues, and our neighbours," he said in statement.
Yesterday he launched an awareness programme at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for youth on issue of HIV/AIDS in the community organised by the hospital's board of visitors.
Dr Yii stressed that the fight against HIV/AIDS in Sarawak involves breaking the stigma, promoting prevention, and ensuring access to treatment for all.
He added stigma and discrimination continue to be among the biggest obstacles here, saying that it prevents people from getting tested, from disclosing their status, and from seeking the care they need.
"We must foster an environment where everyone feels safe and supported, regardless of their HIV status," he added.
He said prevention is another critical aspect of the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS, including comprehensive sex education, access to contraception and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
He said initiatives aimed at reaching young people, key populations, and rural communities are essential, as in Sarawak where many communities are geographically isolated, innovative approaches are needed to ensure that prevention efforts reach everyone.
At the function, Dr Yii announced an allocation of RM100,000 to the board of visitors to be used in SGH for upgrades of the furniture in the hospital, purchasing of more equipment for the wards including the Infectious Disease Ward and Respiratory Ward and new equipment for the hospital's kitchen.