BDAC calls people to get HIV-tested in light of UN report

THE president of the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC) has called for more people to get tested for HIV in the wake of a UNAIDS report that showed Brunei saw its highest annual increase in HIV infections last year.

Sixteen new HIV cases were reported in Brunei between 2010 and 2011, according to the NGO's annual report on the global AIDS epidemic.

With 11 new cases reported in 2011 alone, it represents the highest annual increase tied with 2009 since Brunei recorded its first case of HIV in 1986.

While the prevalence of HIV remains low in Brunei, BDAC President Iswandy Ahmad encouraged more people to undergo free testing at any government health centre or clinic.

"Early detection can provide significant contribution to one's health, especially if he/she is found to be HIV positive or have a sexually transmitted infection," he told The Brunei Times. "They can then get professional help and medical assistance, which is provided free by our government."

Antiretroviral drugs are also provided free of charge to citizens and permanent residents.

The UNAIDS report noted that almost all new HIV cases were transmitted through male-to-female sexual contact, with only two likely cases involving male-to-male sexual contact. There was one case of mother-to-child transmission.

As of December 2011, there are 49 people known to be living with HIV in Brunei, with one AIDS-related death recorded in the past year.

Although prevalence of HIV nationally is expected to remain low in the near future, several issues and challenges continue to be cause for concern.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in particular chlamydia and gonorrhea suggesting that risky sexual behaviour is becoming more common.

"With the increase of STIs and early pregnancy, we have yet to see a coordinated effort from the Ministry of Education in responding to this, via a life-skills based education in our formal curriculum," said Iswandy.

As the sole NGO addressing HIV/AIDS issues in the country, UNAIDS commended BDAC for making considerable effort to increase HIV awareness among youth.

"The AIDS Council calls for everyone to be informed of HIV & AIDS and take necessary actions to protect themselves," said Iswandy.

"Abstaining from extramarital sex, being faithful to your spouse, usage of condoms to prevent STIs, support and care for and from family members especially teenagers and young ones, education and strengthening of religious and cultural values (all contribute to this goal)," he said.

The Brunei Times