The latest report (December 2004) by the Ministry of Health shows Malaysia is near an epidemic phase with 64,439¹ people reported with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.  The increase in the number of HIV/AIDS patients would see an increased in demand for the number of treaters. It was with this in mind that the ‘It begins with you’ campaign was developed by the Malaysian AIDS Council and MSD Malaysia.        

In its first year, the campaign aimed to provide medical students a realistic look at the HIV/AIDS scenario in Malaysia, provide medical updates on what the future holds for the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients and to showcase the important role doctors play in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS.

The event was attended by almost 200 medical students from University Putra Malaysia and International Medical University on November 26, 2005 and December 3, 2005.  A portion of the day’s activity also involved performances by the medical students. Celebrities Soo Koo Jien and Cheryl Samad were also present to help promote a good cause.

“By instilling a greater understanding of HIV/AIDS amongst the medical students, we hope they in turn will be encouraged to make a difference towards the HIV/AIDS cause in their own way”, said Dr Christopher Lee, Vice President, Malaysian AIDS Council.

‘It begins with you’ is part of MSD’s on-going involvement to support on-going initiatives that aims to enhance the long-term commitment towards the prevention, education, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ewe Kheng Huat, Managing Director, Merck Sharp & Dohme Malaysia said, “We feel that the more effective we are in joining forces to highlight the challenge that HIV poses to the Malaysian society and to those living with it, and the more we can do through this campaign to help change attitudes and behaviours, the better the long-term prospects for those living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.”

Source for HIV/AIDS infection rates: HIV Infection, AIDS Cases and AIDS Death Reported in Malaysia, 1986 to December 2004. [http://www.webjka.dph.gov.my/aids] (Section of AIDS/STD, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia)

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