KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians need to be more forthcoming with conversations about safe sex, in view of the rise in new cases of HIV, among young adults, as with other sexually transmitted infections.
Last week, data from the Health Ministry’s disease control division HIV/sexually transmitted illnesses/hepatitis C sector revealed that 45 per cent of the 3,293 new HIV cases in Malaysia involve millennials aged between 20 and 29.
The second-largest group of new 1,045 HIV cases are those in their 30s, making up 31.7 per cent of the total, followed by 439 Malaysians aged between 40 and 49, constituting 13 per cent.
The ministry highlighted it was “very concerned” over the high number of HIV transmissions via sex, marking a clear shift in the pattern of infection from earlier cases of drug addicts sharing needles.
In response to this revelation, a group of experts hosted a public forum about the deadly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Malaysian AIDS Foundation president Prof Datuk Adeeba Kamarulzaman, PT Foundation chief operations officer Raymond Tai and Karex chief executive officer Goh Miah Kiat spoke of the need for societal attitude to be more forthcoming with conversations concerning safe sex.
The forum was organised in conjunction with the annual Art Against AIDS visual arts competition, which lasted for a week. It was hosted by ONE® Condoms and enabled by Karex Bhd as an impassioned response to the global fight against HIV/AIDS and other pertinent sexual diseases.
Tai spoke of the need for more government-sponsored campaigns to encourage confidential HIV testing, particularly among groups which are most highly at risk of such infections.
“There has to be more political will to provide human rights-based services and social supports alongside programmes to fight stigma and discrimination,” Tai said, adding non-governmental organisations such as PT Foundation are still prohibited from approaching government schools to conduct seminars on sexual health and safe sex.
Adeeba, who is also Universiti Malaya’s Dean of the Medicine Faculty, reiterated prevention is better than cure. “We still have a lot of work to do. Education on sexually-transmitted diseases and safe sex awareness is still key in stemming the spread of AIDS.”
The professor also highlighted it was important for patients to have easy access to treatment at the time of diagnosis with HIV.
Queen of Comedy Joanne Kam Poh Poh, who is a staunch advocate for safe sex, elicited roaring laughter from the forum audience when she winked and whispered into the microphone, “a condom is the cleanest thing you can put on. After that, it’s a different story.”
Kam has been a key figure in ONE® Condoms Art Against AIDS in instilling awareness about sexual health and safe sex. “I think practising safe sex reflects responsibility in protecting our own life, a true indication of self love.”
“Ladies, sex is the power you can have. So, please don’t let your partner dictate your future. Why should you sacrifice your life when your sexual partner refuses to put on a condom.
“I would say to him .. if it’s not on, the answer is no. Period.” Kam smiled, tilted her head and fluttered her luscious eyelashes.
This year, participants of the Art Against AIDS visual arts competition were from Universiti Teknologi MARA (Seri Iskandar), Universiti Teknologi MARA (Shah Alam), Universiti Teknologi MARA (Puncak Alam), Universiti Teknologi MARA (Dengkil), Universiti Teknologi MARA (Rembau), Malaysian Institute of Art and International Medical University.
The panel of judges consists of Karex’ Goh, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd art collector Bingley Sim, Segaris Art Centre chief executive officer Nizam Rahmat, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Seri Iskandar) head of art & design faculty Dr Syed Alwi Syed Abu Bakar, Universiti Teknologi MARA (Shah Alam) deputy dean of art & design faculty Dr Jamil Mat Isa, Malaysian Institute of Art acting head if fine arts department Liu Cheng Hua, professional artist Ahmad Zakii Anwar and Media Prima TV Networks chief executive officer Johan Ishak.
Globally, many countries, in the month of December, commemorate solidarity in support of those living with HIV/AIDS and intensify campaigns to break the taboo surrounding sexual health.
Since its debut five years ago, Karex head honcho Goh revealed the Art Against AIDS initiative had raised close to RM1 million. This year, proceeds from the auction will be channelled to PT Foundation and Pertubuhan Kebajikan & Kesihatan Umum Malaysia (PKKUM).
Karex regularly collaborate with professional artists to design special edition condom wrappers that are distributed globally under its flagship ONE® Condoms.
Goh explained the medium of art helps remove some of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, as art is a way of communication that transcends race and religion, which in turn allows for the subject to be relatable and discussed openly with less embarrassment.
He pointed out thought-provoking variants such as the localised durian, teh tarik, nasi lemak and rendang-flavoured ONE® Condoms do keep the conversation going, on safe sex.
Karex, which is listed on the Bursa Malaysia stock exchange, is the world’s biggest exporter of condoms to more than 180 countries, churning out five billion pieces annually.