Malaysia's HIV/AIDS epidemic rising and spreading fast

Source: All Headlines

February 12, 2007 10:59 a.m. EST

Patricia Shehan - All Headline News Staff Writer
Malaysia (AHN) - Malaysia's HIV/AIDS epidemic is rising and spreading fast. The number of HIV infections could rise to more than 300,000 by the year 2015 if something isn't done. That would be more than fourfold the current status, according to a top health official's warning to the public as reported on Sunday.

Although high-risk groups, such as drug addicts are spreading the disease quickly, the health ministry has indicated that those infected with the HIV virus are now expanding. The disease is infecting many women, fisherman, lorry drivers and factory workers, according to a recent Australian news report.

The heterosexual infectious transmission is rising, causing a "worrying trend," especially among women, according to Malaysia's government health official.

Currently there are approximately 73,000 Malaysians who have been infected with HIV. Although a great majority - about 75 percent - of infected Malaysians are IV drug users, the percentage of women in particular is quickly rising.

Although the government took a stance to fight the disease beginning with a five-year strategy that began in 2006, the Malaysian government indicates their success will depend on public cooperation.

According to the Malaysian Health Ministry, every day there are three people who die from an AIDS-related illness in the country, the AP reported.