HIV cases rising among university and school students, MAC says

THE number of HIV infections among school and university students across Malaysia is on the rise, with the majority of new cases attributed to sexual activity, according to the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC).

MAC Honorary Secretary Dr Zaiton Yahaya and of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF), said individuals aged 20 to 29 account for around 44 per cent of newly reported HIV cases, while another four per cent involve school students aged 13 to 19.

“Among school students, the majority of infections are due to sexual activity,” she said. “The highest risk group includes school leavers and university students who are unaware of the risks of infection.”

She noted that HIV cases linked to drug use have declined, thanks to frequent awareness campaigns on the dangers of needle sharing.

“But infections due to sexual activity are on the rise, which is why we’re increasing awareness programmes so that patients know where to go and how to get help,” she told reporters at an Aidilfitri open house and the launch of the ProtectNow Hub hosted by MAC and MAF in Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were Dr Fazidah Yuswan, Head of the HIV/STI/Hepatitis C Sector at the Ministry of Health (MOH), and Datuk Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman, Deputy Chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Malaysia.

To address the growing number of infections among young and inexperienced individuals, MAC and MAF are conducting awareness campaigns in schools and universities.

From 1986 to 2023, Malaysia recorded 135,035 HIV cases, with 54,365 caused by sexual transmission. Recently, eight new infections were reported among children under 13.

Dr Zaiton added that 62 per cent of HIV infections involved homosexual and bisexual individuals, while 33 per cent were among heterosexual partners.

As part of preventive efforts, MAC and MAF launched ProtectNow Hub, the country’s first digital platform offering access to HIV prevention tools such as PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), self-testing kits, and mental health support.

“This platform is designed to empower individuals to make informed health decisions without stigma,” she said. - April 26, 2025