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HIV testing is compulsory for muslims starting from 1 January 2009 (and its FREE!). This was announced earlier in October. My question was – why for muslims only? Similar discrimination as in the case of pre-marriage course.
DPM Najib says that the test will be part of the pre-marriage course, and even counselling will be provided for those infected with HIV.
A reader mentioned that having a law to make it compulsory will create room for tampering of certificates (in Malaysia, its called money politics).
However, leaving out the elements of corruption that may present itself, the issue of discrimination is my concern.
Today, DPM Najib announced that HIV infections reduced by nearly half over the past five years but the number of women infected increased threefold in 10 years. Najib said there were 3,452 new HIV cases in 2008, compared to 6,756 in 2003 (a reduction of 49%).
“Malaysia is categorised as a country with a concentrated epidemic… meaning in certain, high risk groups,” he said according to the state Bernama news agency.
However, Najib expressed concern over the increase in HIV infections among women through normal sexual intercourse, saying their numbers rose from 5.02 percent in 1997 to 16.3 percent in 2007.
According to NST report, “cumulatively, there are 83,527 HIV cases so far and of this, 14,317 are AIDS cases of which 12,425 people have died”.
By expanding the compulsory test to all Malaysians, the government will be extending a safety net. It may not solve all the problems, but it will help in a small way as a deterrent and preventive measure.
The increment of HIV infection among females is nothing surprising, in my opinion. The sexual awakening due to exposure to online content and media, more liberal views, freedom of movement and financial independence, profiliration of foreign sex workers, lack of parental and religious guidance, plus peer pressure has contributed to this. Another problem is the opposing stance by religious bodies on NGOs giving away protective devices to people in the high-risk category.
I was surprised to hear that “one night stands” are quite common in Cyberjaya (from a source that works in an MNC there). Is this true? Many MNCs and two universities are located there. Lots of foreigners. Shift-based working hours. Does all this contribute to higher sexual activity, thus increasing probability of HIV infection?
Of course, drug use is also a major cause, so would that mean that more female are taking up drugs? More women mules are being caught. More women are being caught as part of criminal gangs or drug syndicates. More women coming out of their shell – finding job and studying in places away from home. Fertile ground for drug pushers.
