PETALING JAYA (ANN/THE STAR) – There is a significant gap in raising awareness among peers about high-risk behaviours that could lead to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as acknowledged by student groups and leaders.
Universiti Malaya Feminism Club (UMFC) president Chin Jes Weng highlighted the increasing trend of HIV cases, emphasising the urgent need for sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy among tertiary students.
“Sex is still a taboo topic in society, which hampers efforts to protect students’ health,” she stated, pointing out that more needs to be done to spread awareness about these important issues.
“A lot more can be done, especially by the authorities since they have more power and resources,” she said. Currently, her society is focusing on campaigning against anti-sexual harassment; however, they will plan to advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights in the future.
Monash University Student Association (Musa) Welfare Department co-head Sherlee, 21, said the rising HIV cases among tertiary students are worrying.
“Nevertheless, it is the department’s responsibility to share and advocate for it at the university,” she said.
Although the department has not specifically addressed HIV, she said they previously held events about sexual health.
In the future, she said that they would consider making more social media content and events about HIV. To support the wellbeing of the current students, Sherlee said the department has a team of 20 counsellors.
“We are open-minded and inclusive; those who need help can just reach out to us,” she said.
Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) president Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid described it as a concerning trend, especially considering the lifting of Covid-19 movement restrictions in Malaysia.
“However, there are also socioeconomic reasons at play, such as poverty, poor social cohesion, and a lack of education towards health sciences, among others,” he said, adding that cases may possibly be underreported due to the stigma that comes with being an HIV patient.
He said MBM has constant dialogues with universities, colleges, youth associations and civil society organisations to facilitate discussions on the matter.
This includes raising awareness about the topic through innovative ways to educate the youth about HIV, its impact, symptoms and the available help.
