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Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Kuching tops Sarawak HIV cases for 5th year as 74 recorded in 2024
Lukanisman speaks to reporters during the press conference. Also seen are Dr Ismuni (left) and Jamilah Anu (right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 17): Sarawak recorded 217 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in 2024, with Kuching, Bintulu and Miri collectively accounting for over 66 per cent of the state's total, said deputy Health Minister, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni. Kuching alone reported 74 new cases (34.1 per cent) in 2024 – marking the fifth consecutive year it has led in new infections – followed by Bintulu with 36 cases (16.6 per cent) and Miri with 35 cases (16.1 per cent). Between 2020 and 2024, Kuching's annual figures were 87, 120, 85, 70 and 74, respectively. 'Although new HIV infections in Sarawak fell from 248 in 2023 to 217 in 2024, the overall infection rate remains a cause for concern,' said Lukanisman. He made these remarks during a press conference after officiating at the Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and Community-Based Testing (CBT), held at a hotel here yesterday. He noted that between 2019 and 2023, Sarawak consistently reported between 226 and 248 cases annually, with 2023 recording the highest rate at 9.88 cases per 100,000 population. As of mid-2025, the state has already recorded 106 new cases. 'If the trend continues, this year's total will likely mirror last year's figure,' he added. Nationwide, Malaysia has halved new HIV infections since 2010, but still falls short of the United Nations' 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 per cent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. 'Today, Malaysia has achieved 64 per cent in diagnosis, 94 per cent in treatment, and 93 per cent in viral suppression. 'While we have made progress, there is still a gap that needs to be addressed,' Lukanisman said. Moreover, based on data collected by the authorities, he expressed concern over the increasing number of infections among men under 40, with 76 per cent of last year's new cases nationwide linked to high-risk sexual behaviour. 'The emergence of this demographic trend is alarming, thus, we must rethink our strategies to reach this younger population more effectively,' he said. Lukanisman also stressed that the issue can only be addressed if high-risk groups are willing to come forward for testing. 'We are now promoting community-based testing led by the private sector so that individuals can undergo screening in familiar and trusted environments,' he explained. He also reiterated his call for high-risk groups to actively participate in the Ministry of Health's (MoH) community-based testing initiatives, especially through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trusted networks, to ensure more people can access testing and begin treatment in safe, non-discriminatory settings. Present at the event were the Patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu; Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr Ismuni Bohari; and the State Director of Health Dr Veronica Lugah. HIV Kuching Lukanisman Awang Sauni
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Kuching tops Sarawak HIV cases for 5th year as 74 new cases recorded in 2024
Lukanisman speaks to reporters during the press conference. Also seen are Dr Ismuni (left) and Jamilah Anu (right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 17): Sarawak recorded 217 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in 2024, with Kuching, Bintulu and Miri collectively accounting for over 66 per cent of the state's total, said deputy Health Minister, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni. Kuching alone reported 74 new cases (34.1 per cent) in 2024 – marking the fifth consecutive year it has led in new infections – followed by Bintulu with 36 cases (16.6 per cent) and Miri with 35 cases (16.1 per cent). Between 2020 and 2024, Kuching's annual figures were 87, 120, 85, 70 and 74, respectively. 'Although new HIV infections in Sarawak fell from 248 in 2023 to 217 in 2024, the overall infection rate remains a cause for concern,' said Lukanisman. He made these remarks during a press conference after officiating at the Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and Community-Based Testing (CBT), held at a hotel here yesterday. He noted that between 2019 and 2023, Sarawak consistently reported between 226 and 248 cases annually, with 2023 recording the highest rate at 9.88 cases per 100,000 population. As of mid-2025, the state has already recorded 106 new cases. 'If the trend continues, this year's total will likely mirror last year's figure,' he added. Nationwide, Malaysia has halved new HIV infections since 2010, but still falls short of the United Nations' 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 per cent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. 'Today, Malaysia has achieved 64 per cent in diagnosis, 94 per cent in treatment, and 93 per cent in viral suppression. 'While we have made progress, there is still a gap that needs to be addressed,' Lukanisman said. Moreover, based on data collected by the authorities, he expressed concern over the increasing number of infections among men under 40, with 76 per cent of last year's new cases nationwide linked to high-risk sexual behaviour. 'The emergence of this demographic trend is alarming, thus, we must rethink our strategies to reach this younger population more effectively,' he said. Lukanisman also stressed that the issue can only be addressed if high-risk groups are willing to come forward for testing. 'We are now promoting community-based testing led by the private sector so that individuals can undergo screening in familiar and trusted environments,' he explained. He also reiterated his call for high-risk groups to actively participate in the Ministry of Health's (MoH) community-based testing initiatives, especially through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trusted networks, to ensure more people can access testing and begin treatment in safe, non-discriminatory settings. Present at the event were the Patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu; Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr Ismuni Bohari; and the State Director of Health Dr Veronica Lugah. HIV Kuching Lukanisman Awang Sauni
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Kuching tops Sarawak HIV cases for 5th year as infections decline slightly in 2024
Lukanisman speaks to reporters during the press conference. Also seen are Dr Ismuni (left) and Jamilah Anu (right). – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 17): Sarawak recorded 217 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in 2024, with Kuching, Bintulu and Miri collectively accounting for over 66 per cent of the state's total, said deputy Health Minister, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni. Kuching alone reported 74 new cases (34.1 per cent) in 2024 – marking the fifth consecutive year it has led in new infections – followed by Bintulu with 36 cases (16.6 per cent) and Miri with 35 cases (16.1 per cent). Between 2020 and 2024, Kuching's annual figures were 87, 120, 85, 70 and 74, respectively. 'Although new HIV infections in Sarawak fell from 248 in 2023 to 217 in 2024, the overall infection rate remains a cause for concern,' said Lukanisman. He made these remarks during a press conference after officiating at the Asean Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and Community-Based Testing (CBT), held at a hotel here yesterday. He noted that between 2019 and 2023, Sarawak consistently reported between 226 and 248 cases annually, with 2023 recording the highest rate at 9.88 cases per 100,000 population. As of mid-2025, the state has already recorded 106 new cases. 'If the trend continues, this year's total will likely mirror last year's figure,' he added. Nationwide, Malaysia has halved new HIV infections since 2010, but still falls short of the United Nations' 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95 per cent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to receive treatment, and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. 'Today, Malaysia has achieved 64 per cent in diagnosis, 94 per cent in treatment, and 93 per cent in viral suppression. 'While we have made progress, there is still a gap that needs to be addressed,' Lukanisman said. Moreover, based on data collected by the authorities, he expressed concern over the increasing number of infections among men under 40, with 76 per cent of last year's new cases nationwide linked to high-risk sexual behaviour. 'The emergence of this demographic trend is alarming, thus, we must rethink our strategies to reach this younger population more effectively,' he said. Lukanisman also stressed that the issue can only be addressed if high-risk groups are willing to come forward for testing. 'We are now promoting community-based testing led by the private sector so that individuals can undergo screening in familiar and trusted environments,' he explained. He also reiterated his call for high-risk groups to actively participate in the Ministry of Health's (MoH) community-based testing initiatives, especially through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trusted networks, to ensure more people can access testing and begin treatment in safe, non-discriminatory settings. Present at the event were the Patron of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Borneo Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu; Deputy Director General of Public Health Dr Ismuni Bohari; and the State Director of Health Dr Veronica Lugah. HIV Kuching Lukanisman Awang Sauni
Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
US sends deported criminals to Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy
The United States has deported five foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes to Eswatini, a small southern African kingdom ruled by Africa's last absolute monarch. The deportees, from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos, were flown to the country under a third-country deportation agreement after their home countries refused to take them back. Eswatini confirmed it had received the men and said they are being held in isolation at correctional facilities while arrangements are made for their eventual return to their countries of origin. US Homeland Security Department Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the deportees were 'criminal illegal aliens' convicted of crimes including child rape and murder. Describing them as 'uniquely barbaric' and 'depraved monsters,' McLaughlin said on X that their original home countries had declined to accept them, necessitating third-country relocation. 'A safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed,' she posted. 'They are off of American soil.' NEW: a safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed— This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back. These depraved monsters have been terrorizing American communities but thanks to @POTUS… — Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) July 16, 2025 According to the BBC, McLaughlin also stated that the deportations were part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to ensure that people who terrorised American communities are removed. Eswatini authorities have sought to soothe public concern over the arrival of the prisoners. Government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said the men are being kept in secure, isolated units designed for offenders of a similar nature. 'The nation is assured that these inmates pose no threat to the country or its citizens,' Mdluli said in a statement. She added that Eswatini would work with the United Nations' immigration agency to facilitate the eventual transfer of the deportees to their respective home countries. BREAKING: DHS announces a third country ICE deportation flight has landed in the tiny African country of Eswatini. On board were egregious criminal illegal aliens, including three convicted murderers and a convicted child rapist. Nationalities: Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, & Cuba. — Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 16, 2025 The government did not confirm whether any financial incentives were involved in the arrangement. However, analysts suggest that maintaining good relations with the US may have influenced the decision. Formerly known as Swaziland, Eswatini changed its name in 2018 to reflect its pre-colonial identity. It remains one of the few countries in the world, and the only one in Africa, governed by an absolute monarch. King Mswati III, who has ruled since 1986, holds full control of government functions and rules by decree. Political parties are banned from participating in the electoral process, and public office aspirants must stand as individuals with approval from traditional leaders. While some opposition movements exist, they operate as civic groups with limited influence. Protests calling for democratic reforms have grown in recent years, but the government has been widely accused of using security forces to suppress dissent. Many pro-democracy activists now live in exile. Despite its small size, Eswatini faces immense social and economic challenges. According to the World Bank, over half of its 1.2 million population lives on less than $4 a day. The country also has the world's highest HIV prevalence rate, with roughly 26% of adults living with the virus. Though it has made notable strides in its HIV response, largely with international support, the Trump administration previously cut its US funding, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of those gains. The deportation to Eswatini is part of a wider US strategy under President Trump to expand third-country deportations. Earlier this month, the US sent eight deportees to South Sudan — only one of whom was from that country — after legal restrictions were lifted. Other nations reportedly approached for similar deals include Rwanda, Benin, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Moldova, according to BBC. While some, like Nigeria, have pushed back against US pressure to accept such transfers, others have entered into talks. (With inputs from AP, BBC)
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UN rapporteur calls for global action to stop genocide in Gaza
The United Nations' special rapporteur for Gaza and the West Bank said that it's time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop the genocide in Gaza. Francesca Albanese spoke to delegates from 30 countries meeting in Colombia's capital to discuss the Israeli war on Gaza and ways that nations can try to stop it. Many of the participating nations have described the violence as genocide against the Palestinians. 'Each state must immediately review and suspend all ties with the State of Israel ... and ensure its private sector does the same,' said Albanese,who was sanctioned by the U.S. earlier this month. 'The Israeli economy is structured to sustain the occupation that has now turned genocidal.' The two-day conference organized by the governments of Colombia and South Africa is being attended mostly by developing nations, although the governments of Spain, Ireland and China have also sent delegates. Since it begininng of the war on October 2023, Israel has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians in Gaza. The conference is co-chaired by the governments of South Africa and Colombia, which last year suspended coal exports to Israeli power plants, and includes the participation of members of The Hague Group, a coalition of eight nations that earlier this year pledged to cut military ties with Israel and to comply with an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Netanyahu. Participating nations have said they are trying to comply with an I nternational Court of Justice opinion issued last year that said Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal. There is also a U.N. General Assembly resolution from September, which demands that Israel withdraw its military from Palestinian territories and calls on member nations to stop selling weapons to Israel. 'It's important that we stand up for the rule of law in a meaningful way,' said Chrispin Phiri, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of International Relations who is attending the conference in Bogota. 'This idea that international law ... can only be enforced on counties of the global south is something that has become unsustainable.' For decades, South Africa's ruling African National Congress party has compared Israel's policies in Gaza and the West Bank with its own history of oppression under the harsh apartheid regime of white minority rule, which restricted most Blacks to 'homelands' or Bantustans, before ending in 1994. Albanese also brought up the comparison as she spoke to delegates in the conference, and urged them to impose sanctions on Israel until it withdraws from Gaza and the West Bank. 'I ask you to consider this moment as if we were sitting here in the 1990s, discussing the case of apartheid South Africa. Would you have proposed selective sanctions on South Africa for its conduct in individual Bantustans? Or would you have recognized the state's criminal system as a whole?' Albanese said. The gathering comes as the European Union weighs various measures against Israel including a ban on imports from Israeli settlements, an arms embargo and individual sanctions against Israeli officials found to be blocking a peaceful solution to the conflict. Colombia's Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo said Monday that the nations participating in the Bogota meeting, which also include Qatar and Turkey, will be discussing diplomatic and judicial measures that can be taken to put more pressure on Israel to cease its attacks. The Colombian official described Israel's conduct in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as an affront to the international order. 'This is not just about Palestine,' Jaramillo said in a press conference. 'It is about defending international law … and the right to self determination.' This story was edited by Ahram Online. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
