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HIV prevention a priority after 22 cases among varsity students in 2023, 2024
Ling said the cases caused by unsafe sexual practices show a need for more preventive efforts especially among university students.
JOHOR recorded 22 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among university students over the past two years, says state executive councillor Ling Tian Soon.
Of this number, 12 cases were recorded last year while 10 were reported in 2023, said the Johor health and environment committee chairman.
'All these cases were found to have been caused by unsafe sexual practices.
'This highlights the need for more preventive efforts among young people, especially university students,' he said during the state assembly sitting.
He was responding to a question from Selamat Takim (BN-Sungai Balang) who had asked about the number of HIV cases among university students in Johor, and the efforts to address the issue.
Ling said the state government was working with educational institutions to improve HIV awareness among youths via the 'Healthy Without AIDS Programme for Teenagers (Prostar) 2.0'.
'The programme aims to educate teenagers and youths about HIV while also empowering them to be advocates for a healthier lifestyle, free from HIV.
'A total of 1,673 university and secondary school students have taken part in activities held under the programme which began in 2023,' he elaborated.
Ling said other initiatives, such as health talks, community forums and awareness campaigns had also been held occasionally to improve understanding of HIV and its prevention.
'Social media and other digital platforms have been used to spread awareness,' he said, adding that the state government was committed to strengthening HIV preventive measures.
Health clinics across the state are also providing free and confidential HIV screening for the public, according to Ling.
'This is to encourage early detection for timely intervention.
'The clinics also provide free and confidential counselling services,' he added. — VENESA DEVI
