115,263 people had been diagnosed with HIV since 1986, with 3,347 new HIV-infected cases throughout the country. AFP File Photo
KUCHING: Sarawak recorded a total of 340 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases as at November this year, said Dr Tonni Sia from Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
Out of the figure, 93 per cent are men, with 98.3 per cent of them having acquired the virus through sexual activities – and 90 per cent through homosexual sex.
Last year, there were 417 new HIV-infected cases recorded in Sarawak.
Citing the Malaysia Country Progress Report on HIV/AIDS 2018, Dr Sia said 115,263 people had been diagnosed with HIV since 1986, with 3,347 new HIV-infected cases throughout the country.
A third of the new HIV-infected cases resulted in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
“Once (a person) acquires HIV, it can take as short as one to two years (for the virus) to manifest itself, or as long as more than 10 years,” she said in a press statement released in conjunction with the World AIDS Day today (Dec 1).
The statement also highlighted certain facts on the disease.
HIV is transmitted through body fluids, especially semen, vaginal fluid, blood and breastmilk. The virus contained in saliva, tears and sweat is negligible.
HIV, by itself, does not kill – it weakens the immune system of the host and allows opportunistic infections to attack the host. This can ultimately result in death. Opportunistic infections mean infections that usually do not cause illness in hosts with normal immune system.
Dr Sia remarked that the population at risk of acquiring HIV infection would include a man who had sex with another man, those having multiple sexual partners, commercial sex workers and intravenous drug users.
She advised those in the at-risk population to undergo HIV screening once every three months.
There are significant numbers of HIV patients being late in seeking medical attention and the mortality rate of cases in AIDS can be over 50 per cent, she said.
“It is reported that in Malaysia, 83 per cent of the people with HIV know their status, but only 54 per cent of them get treatment.”
Among the 54 per cent who are on treatment, 95 per cent of them are able to have their HIV viral load suppressed within 12 months of treatment.
Dr Sia attributed the reasons for those who are not aware of being infected and do not receive treatment, to the stigma of HIV and its misconceptions – including the belief that the treatments for a HIV-infected person are expensive, unavailable or futile.
However, Dr Sia assured all that HIV-infected host can be treated effectively with Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), which only has to be taken once a day with minimal side effects.
“HIV screening and most HIV first-line treatments are available for free at all government clinics and hospitals. It is also available at main private hospitals and certain general practitioners’ clinics with payment,” she added.
It is said that HIV-infected hosts, with HIV viral load suppressed, can live a healthy life with lifespan comparable to non-infected hosts.