Society Urged to Take HIV / AIDS Test

Pauh Putra, October 8, 2016- Public urged to undergo testing and treatment to detect any infection of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by HIV virus.

Those at risk should not be ashamed and take the test in government clinics including 1Malaysia clinics for free.

 Chief Assistant Director of AIDS / STI Perlis State Health Department, Dr. Rohemi Abu Bakar said that the HIV / AIDS epidemic in the country has recorded a downward trend of 50 percent compared to 2002, but has remained flat since 2010 to 2014.

We managed to achieve the government Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2002 which is to reduce half of the cases in the next 15 years.

 "However, casual sex contributes to HIV / AIDS spread since those involved are embarrassed to undergo tests and treatment, he said while delivering a lecture titled Adolescence & HIV  :Challenges and Roles Program in conjunction with the HIV / AIDS program the Sincerity Hall, here.

 The program was attended by nearly 400 first year students and officiated by UniMAP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dato Dr Zul Azhar Zahid Jamal. Also present were the Director of Health Centre UniMAP, Assoc Dr Mohamad Iqbal Omar.

 Meanwhile, Dr. Zul Azhar said that the program is expected to provide clearer information to UniMAP students and staff about AIDS and HIV so that the number of people affected with this virus can be reduced.

 UniMAP always organize a variety of programs to increase knowledge and awareness about HIV / AIDS, especially for new students to prevent them from being involved in any risky behavior towards the disease.

Briefing and awareness campaign will be held from time to time so that UniMAP is always free of HIV / AIDS. This is in line with the   government's target for an end to HIV / AIDS in the country by 2030, he said.

 Nur Aimi Muslim, UniMAP Psychology Officer also had given a talk in the program organized by, UniMAP Health Center in collaboration with the State Health