Only 28% of HIV/AIDS patients seek consistent treatment: Dr Hilmi

ALOR GAJAH: Only 28% of the 90,000-odd HIV/AIDS patients in the country seek consistent medical treatment to carry on with their lives, says Health Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
He said the number was very small as the awareness among patients to get treatment was still low because they were ashamed to seek treatment and did not know about the various types of treatment provided by the government to help them fight the disease.
"We hope the percentage of HIV/AIDS patients seeking treatment will reach 90%, in line with the National Strategic Plan Ending AIDS 2016-2030," he told a press conference here today, after attending the Country Coordinating Mechanism Meeting held at the Alor Gajah Health Office.
He said all non-governmental organisations under the Malaysian Aids Council would be given training to carry out checks or tests on HIV/AIDS patients.
This would encourage more patients to seek early treatment without feeling embarrassed, he added.
Earlier, Dr Hilmi presented a mock cheque for RM7 million to the MAC to carry out 52 projects to combat HIV/AIDS in the country this year. — Bernama