Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAIDSCouncil) President Iswandy bin Ahmad stressed the importance of testing for HIV, urging anyone who believes that they may have put themselves at risk to know their status.
He said this delivering remarks at the prize presentation for the online quiz in conjunction with World AIDS Day yesterday.
“Knowing your HIV status empowers you to make informed decisions about your sexual health and safeguard your future. If you discover that you are HIV positive, you can promptly seek medical care, with every effort made to ensure your status remains confidential,” he explained.
Besides the usual tools of prevention, he shared, “A – abstinence, B – be faithful, and C – consistent condom use, using pre-exposure prophylactic (PrEP) drugs can also be an effective way of preventing HIV transmission.” He said that while persons who are most at risk are men who have sex with men (MSM), there are also other groups who may be at risk of being infected with HIV.
Confidential testing involves a straightforward blood test available at most health facilities. The president added, “If you prefer not to visit a government health centre, Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Panaga Health and other local private clinics offer voluntary, confidential counselling and testing.” Some clinics, he cited, “Such as Panaga Health and Vitaliv Health and Wellness Clinic also offer self-testing rapid kits with results available within 15 minutes.”
World AIDS Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote international unity in combating the pandemic, he emphasised. Brunei continues to stand in solidarity with the global community in addressing this long-standing health challenge.
The day is an opportunity to reflect on progress, honour lives lost, and advocate for advancements in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. – James Kon