Mulling a more holistic approach to curb HIV rise among youth

The Star

29-04-2025

PETALING JAYA: The increase in HIV infections among university and school students indicates that the current approaches to education and prevention may be insufficient, says a labour and youth activist.
Mohammad Rizan Hassan, who is also the National Association of Skilled Workers secretary-­general, called for a more holistic, inclusive and evidence-based approach to protect the younger generation from the threat of HIV.
'There has been a shift in the pattern of HIV infections in Malaysia, where transmission through sexual contact now outweighs transmission through ­needle sharing.
'This suggests that prevention approaches need to be adapted to current realities.
'This is why we need to implement a more comprehensive ­sexual education programme together with the Education Ministry that is culturally appropriate to equip adolescents with accurate knowledge about reproductive health and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
'We can also carry awareness and early screening programmes by expanding the KafeTEEN – the National Population and Family Development Board's initiative – so that it can reach more adolescents, especially in rural areas,' he said in an interview.
He added that voluntary and confidential HIV screening should be encouraged among adolescents.
The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) revealed recently that HIV infections among university and school students were on the rise, with most contracting the virus through sexual activity, unaware of the risks of infection.
MAC honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahaya said those aged between 20 and 29 accounted for 44% of such cases, while 4% comprised school students aged 13 to 19.
However, cases of HIV transmission through drug use are decreasing following awareness programmes on the dangers of sharing needles.
Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman stressed that for early prevention, the priority is to eliminate risky behaviours before they take root.
He said prevention of HIV must begin as soon as possible with children being taught about what is right and wrong based on religious teachings, moral values and Asian cultural traditions.
'For primary prevention, we must identify and address risk factors early. Awareness efforts must highlight the dangers of casual sexual relationships,' he noted.
'We must promote abstinence, responsibility and safe behaviour among the youth.
'For secondary prevention, early detection is key. HIV screening programmes should be expanded, especially among young people, to identify infections and risky behaviour at the earliest stages.
'For tertiary prevention, those diagnosed with HIV must be treated with compassion and dignity. Support for treatment must be strengthened while ensuring prevention efforts remain a national priority,' he said.