Petaling Jaya – August, 2004

Can you hug a HIV+ person?   Yes.  A person with HIV/AIDS looks like YOU!

Stop the AIDS stigma! Move from fear to hope!

These are some of the thought provoking headlines that might catch your eye as you wander through the cubicles of Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) or any of its 8 branches nationwide. In an effort to reinforce the company’s commitment towards the HIV/AIDS cause, MSD ran an employee education campaign on the subject.

"The work that we carry to support HIV/AIDS can only be more effective if we build a group of MSD ambassadors to help spread the message. By involving our employees, we are helping to make inroads to dispel some of the myths associated with the disease," commented Ewe Kheng Huat, Managing Director, MSD. The initiative saw more than 200 employees receiving posters, booklets and stickers in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin, with catchy titles and illustrations, courtesy of the Malaysian AIDS Council.

The posters and stickers centred on eliminating stigma and discrimination, the booklets provided in depth information regarding women, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS, HIV antibody tests, how and how not to get infected and the prejudices involved with stigma and discrimination within families or the workplace.

When employees were asked to comment, one shared, "The choice of visuals and words appealed to me emotionally. They prompt instead of confront, urging the reader to take control, be well-informed, and have the hope and compassion that is so crucial in the fight not just against AIDS, but against discrimination as well."

The battle to control the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in the country has been an uphill battle. The latest report by the Ministry of Health showed that there are 58,012 cases of Malaysians with the HIV infection¹. The numbers also highlight an alarming trend that showed more women are being infected with the disease.

Within their global network, Merck Sharp & Dohme is dedicated to provide patient and public education with regards to the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS. This is, in addition to the company’s efforts to increasing accessibility to treatment, initiating medical infrastructure, fostering partnerships and raising funds for specific HIV/AIDS needs.

Reference:

¹ "HIV, AIDS and STD Data Set 1986-2003", Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia