Health Minister says Malaysia’s HIV/AIDS response is guided by compassion and partnership, with RM88 million allocated for treatment and prevention programmes.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s approach to combating HIV and AIDS remains grounded in compassion, partnership and human dignity, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking at the Red Ribbon Gala 2025, he emphasised that empathy, inclusivity and evidence-based policies must continue guiding the national response toward ending AIDS by 2030.
“As a nation, we hold firmly that health is a human right and everyone deserves access to quality, stigma-free care regardless of background, circumstance, or history,” he said.
Despite significant progress, stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to testing and treatment.
“We must continue to replace fear with empathy, and judgement with understanding, because ending AIDS requires not only medicine but also hope and humanity,” he added.
Dr Dzulkefly stressed that collaboration is essential, stating “No ministry, no foundation, and no company can do this alone.”
He highlighted the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations programme as an effective collaborative model that empowers community healthcare workers.
The government has increased its annual DHSKP allocation to RM8 million this year, alongside RM80 million yearly for nationwide HIV treatment and support services.
This tripartite approach combining government leadership, civil society engagement and corporate innovation forms the cornerstone of Malaysia’s HIV response.
The Red Ribbon Gala 2025 raised RM2.2 million through sponsorships and table sales to support MAF’s community-based treatment, care and prevention programmes nationwide. – Bernama
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