Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise Universal Access & Human Rights
WORLD AIDS DAY 2009
Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise - Universal Access & Human Rights
Get Tested. Get Treated.
Kuala Lumpur, 6th December 2009 – The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) today commemorates World AIDS Day at Wangsa Walk Mall. The World AIDS Day celebration is launched by former Prime Minister, Y.A.B Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad.
December 1, 2009 marks the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day when the world comes together to commemorate a day that began in 1988 to raise awareness and fight prejudice and stigma against HIV/AIDS. Through the decades more and more people across the globe are becoming infected and affected by HIV. Through the years much has also been learned on how to deal with the epidemic, how to respond effectively and the major successes that have occurred with treatment. While many of these changes are positive, this anniversary also offers us an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done.
‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Universal Access & Human Rights’ is the theme for World AIDS Day 2009, promoted with the campaign slogan, ‘Get Tested. Get Treated.’ Universal access to effective prevention and treatment cannot occur without respecting human rights. The risk of HIV infection and its impact feeds on violations of human rights, including discrimination against women and marginalised groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. HIV also frequently begets human rights violations such as further discrimination and violence. Over the past decade the critical need for strengthening human rights to effectively respond to the epidemic and deal with its effects has become ever clearer. Protecting human rights and promoting public health are mutually reinforcing.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
With almost 87,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia today and another 10 people tested positive each day, these statistics clearly reflect the severity epidemic that we and the world face. The Malaysian AIDS Council together with its Partner Organisations, which has been committed to respond to HIV/AIDS in Malaysia for more than 17 years, aims to continue to make a big difference in the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Quotes:
Y.A.B Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, Former Prime Minister
“I hope through the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day celebration, the message encapsulates the spirit of bringing people together from all walks of life in increasing awareness and fighting prejudice towards HIV and AIDS. It is also a call for ongoing commitment and support to all Malaysians to battle the epidemic in this country.”
Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Chairperson of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation
“Whilst in Malaysia we still struggle to bring effective HIV prevention to all due to the numerous challenges that we face, what we do have is good access to treatment and care that can save lives. Effective treatment has been available free to all Malaysians more many years now. Early and appropriate treatment not only save lives but also reduces the potential for further transmission in the community. Now, more than ever, I urge all Malaysians to get educated, get involved, get tested and get treated.”
Dr Christopher KC Lee, Advisor of the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS)
“As the momentum to achieve the sole Millennium Development Goal addressing HIV/AIDS continues, there is still a critical need in strengthening our collective response in harnessing effective leadership and advocacy, enhancing training and capacity building, reducing vulnerability of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and improving universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support. The challenge to halt and to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS remains as real and as urgent as ever.”
Highlights of the event include a mini concert by local celebrities, exhibition, quizzes and games.
Today’s event is complemented with many other events and activities that had been scheduled since 28 November all around Malaysia to further enhance awareness, fight prejudice, improve education and increase understanding of HIV/AIDS for the HIV/AIDS awareness month.
Malaysia’s World AIDS Day 2009 events and activities is made available on: www.mac.org.my/WAD09