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Preventing universities from becoming HIV hotspots
What's even more alarming is that many of those affected are only 18 or 19 years old. By LIDAH PENGARANG
04 Jul 2025 01:24pm
Photo for illustration purposes only.
THE recent revelation that 222 students in higher learning institutions were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the past year alone should serve as a wake-up call, not just for the government and educational institutions, but also for parents and society at large.
What's even more alarming is that many of those affected are only 18 or 19 years old.
According to Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, a total of 1,091 HIV cases were recorded over the past five years among young people in this age group. This worrying statistic points to high-risk behaviours taking place at increasingly younger ages, often undetected and unchecked.
Earlier, Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) honorary secretary Dr Zaiton Yahaya also revealed a rise in HIV cases among secondary school students, many of which are linked to sexual activity.
This is no longer just a public health concern, it is a social crisis that demands immediate attention.
While the introduction of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a preventive measure is welcomed, it remains a reactive step. What is needed now is a more proactive and preventive approach.
It is perhaps time for the government to seriously consider making HIV screening a mandatory requirement for admission into public higher education institutions.
This is not about punishment or discrimination. Rather, it opens the door for early intervention, whether that be in the form of treatment, counselling, or comprehensive sexual health education.
Such screenings can be carried out discreetly and confidentially, much like the physical health assessments that are already required for new students. Most importantly, this move would align with broader efforts to curb the rising number of HIV cases, especially among young people.
We must stop treating this as an isolated issue.
At the same time, there is a pressing need to review existing health policies, including allowing minors to undergo HIV testing and receive treatment without parental consent, especially in high-risk cases.
Unless decisive action is taken now, we risk seeing these numbers continue to climb year after year.
Let's not wait until this silent epidemic spreads even further before we act.
A firm stance today could save thousands of lives in the future.
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