MAF to intensify awareness on HIV, AIDS

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) will intensify HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns following an increase in HIV cases among youths last year, its chairman Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said.
Based on data obtained from the Ministry of Health, she said young people, aged between 20 and 29, recorded the highest HIV cases of totaling 1,356 last year compared with 1,232 cases in 2015.
"Homosexuals, those who have random sex by not using condoms and addicts have recorded an increase in HIV cases last year and this figure is very worrying," she told a news conference after the Hot and Cold run organised by MAF in collaboration with the University of Malaya Medical Faculty (UM) today.
Also present were Malaysian Aids Foundation ambassador Fahrin Ahmad and singer Najwa Latif.
Dr Adeeba said apart from inculcating awareness on HIV and AIDS, the 'Hot and Cold' run programme, which was held for the first time at UM, also raised funds to help HIV and AIDS patients.
Meanwhile, she said MAF would also hold talks with the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) to assist Muslim patients via Baitulmal and tithe aid, including providing spiritual awareness. — Bernama