May 17, 2009
Surge in women HIV carriers
Star
KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian women are being infected by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) through unprotected sex than needle sharing.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said this could be observed from the rapid surge in the number of women HIV carriers.
She said the ratio between women and men infected with HIV was 1:70 in 1993 but now it is 1:10.
“Although the total number of AIDS patients has dropped, more women and children have been infected.
“We are very worried about the unstoppable spread of HIV in the country,” she said, adding that as of last year, Malaysia recorded some 84,000 HIV carriers. Last year alone, 3,692 new cases were reported and 900 people died of AIDS, she said.
Of the new cases, 48 were children and 704 women, Chew said after opening a Multi-Faith Commu- nity Gathering in conjunction with International AIDS Memorial Day at PT Foundation yesterday.
She praised the volunteers of PT foundation for their efforts and dedication to HIV/AIDS work that had led the non-profit body to win the Best NGO of the Year Award.
“You all have helped over 16% of the people under the Positive Living programme return to full-time em- ployment,” she said.
PT Foundation is a community-based organisation providing HIV/AIDS education and care programmes for marginalised communities, mainly sex workers, transsexuals and family members of AIDS patients.
Surge in women HIV carriers
Star
KUALA LUMPUR: More Malaysian women are being infected by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) through unprotected sex than needle sharing.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun said this could be observed from the rapid surge in the number of women HIV carriers.
She said the ratio between women and men infected with HIV was 1:70 in 1993 but now it is 1:10.
“Although the total number of AIDS patients has dropped, more women and children have been infected.
“We are very worried about the unstoppable spread of HIV in the country,” she said, adding that as of last year, Malaysia recorded some 84,000 HIV carriers. Last year alone, 3,692 new cases were reported and 900 people died of AIDS, she said.
Of the new cases, 48 were children and 704 women, Chew said after opening a Multi-Faith Commu- nity Gathering in conjunction with International AIDS Memorial Day at PT Foundation yesterday.
She praised the volunteers of PT foundation for their efforts and dedication to HIV/AIDS work that had led the non-profit body to win the Best NGO of the Year Award.
“You all have helped over 16% of the people under the Positive Living programme return to full-time em- ployment,” she said.
PT Foundation is a community-based organisation providing HIV/AIDS education and care programmes for marginalised communities, mainly sex workers, transsexuals and family members of AIDS patients.
No comments:
Post a Comment