Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in a message in conjunction with World AIDS Day celebration, shared that since the first case was detected in 1986 until December 2023, a total of 492 cases were reported in the Sultanate whereby 96 have passed away.
In 2023, there were 57 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections among citizens and permanent residents in the country. Among those infected, 96 per cent were men and the majority aged between 20 to 34 years, he said.
The minister said, “Brunei is one of the countries that has a low rate of HIV infection. However in the past few years, the rate of cases has increased than in the previous years. This is due to increasing public awareness on HIV infection and detection among high-risk groups where they came forward to be tested and obtain information on HIV preventive measures.
“In Brunei, people at high risk of HIV infection are those who practice casual and unprotected sex, especially men who have sex with men (MSM).”
The minister said HIV is a type of a virus affecting and weakening the body’s immune system of an individual and becomes more vulnerable to other infections and diseases like cancer. The final stage of HIV infection, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), he said, “occurs when the immune system of the body becomes too weak to fight infections of diseases, causing the individual to suffer multiple health problems that can be life-threatening. AIDS can be prevented if HIV infection can be detected early and treatment received during the initial stage.”
Since the AIDS epidemic started gaining global attention in 1981, he said, “HIV infection remains a public health threat affecting the lives of millions of people around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 39.9 million people are living with HIV globally. As of late 2023, there are a total of 1.3 million new infection cases. Meanwhile, an estimated 630,000 people have died due to health problems and HIV-related infections worldwide.”
Since launched by WHO in 1988, he said, “World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1 every year. World AIDS Day is aimed to increase awareness on HIV disease and remember those who passed away due to diseases related to AIDS. This year’s theme ‘Take the rights path: My Health, My Right!’, is a call for all to implement efforts to deal with HIV/AIDS. We also need to make sure that everyone, especially individuals infected with HIV and the group of people who are at risk, have access to treatment and quality health services without stigma and discrimination.” The minister also touched on the concerns of public stigma and discrimination faced by HIV or AIDS patients.
In the statements from UNAIDs and WHO, he said, “Stigma and discrimination is the main cause of most people avoiding from getting tested, exposing their HIV status and refusing to obtain lifesaving HIV treatment. Therefore stigma and discrimination can cause death among individuals living with HIV because of refusal to carry out tests and receive treatment.”
He said stigma also has a negative impact on people living with HIV and their families as well as efforts to reduce HIV infection.
“Therefore, it is important to reduce stigma and discrimination by increasing public awareness and knowledge about HIV and addressing myths and misconceptions about HIV. The theme also emphasises the importance on approach based on human rights as a guideline for better health and more effective achievement in dealing with HIV.”
Among the basic rights include the right of having correct and comprehensive information, access to equitable and quality health services, the right to equal education and employment, and the right to public service and welfare.
He also said, “Prevention is better than cure. This statement is true when it comes to HIV because even though there is advance treatment for HIV, it still remains a global health threat and requires continued efforts. Therefore HIV prevention and early detection is an important component in response to the HIV epidemic. With the correct information and understanding of how HIV infection is transmitted, it can empower a person to avoid high-risk activities and also practice a healthy lifestyle, to protect oneself from infection”
He added, “Among the preventive measures are avoiding activities that can cause HIV infection such as casual and unprotected sex as well as avoiding multiple partners. If an individual is exposed to the risk of infection or would like to know the status of HIV, an HIV rapid test can be obtained from several private clinics in the country. Those found to have HIV infection, can take antiretroviral drugs (ARV) effectively. This can control the HIV virus and helps prevent the transmission of those infected with HIV and those who are of high risk. With such treatment, an individual living with HIV can continue a long, healthy and productive life as well as long life expectancy similar to people who are HIV negative.”
In support of World AIDS Day celebration this year, he assured that the Ministry of Health (MoH) is committed and will continue to work towards ensuring those with risk and affected with HIV, to continue to receive quality and fair services.
“The MoH ensures that everyone has the right to be tested, receive treatment and HIV care without stigma and discrimination,” said the minister.
The minister called on the public, “Let us come together to increase awareness, as well as empower in taking the correct actions that are suitable with best practices in the context of Brunei in efforts to end the AIDS epidemic.
“Therefore is it is also hoped that individuals who may be at risk of HIV/AIDS infection will be able to take advantage of the facilities and services that have been provided, and get early tests to enable treatment as soon as possible and further increase the chances to continue living their lives as normal.” – James Kon
