MAF & MAC at the 25th AIDS Conference

Malaysian AIDS Foundation
& Malaysian AIDS council
at the

25ᵗʰ International AIDS Conference

Munich, Germany
22 - 26 July 2024

Celebrating the Spirit of Tripartite
Partnership in Ending AIDS

FROM MALAYSIA TO THE WORLD

From July 22-26, the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and the Malaysian AIDS Council will join the world’s leading minds and advocates at the 25th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) in Munich, Germany.

Aligned with the conference theme “Put People First,” our delegates will share Malaysia’s journey of resilience, navigating the difficult path of PrEP implementation in a Muslim-majority country where misunderstanding abound due to strong cultural taboo and religious beliefs surrounding sexual behaviour.

We also proudly share the stage with our esteemed partner, Sunway Group. This extraordinary tripartite partnership that unites the corporate sector, civil society and the Malaysian Government in a common goal to end AIDS. 

Together, our work has revolutionized healthcare access in the rural communities of Malaysian Borneo, extended vital healthcare services to marginalized population, empowered local community and most importantly, form a new framework for HIV/AIDS response in Malaysia that will be driven by the principal of sustainability.

The Malaysian story is one of perseverance and innovation, driven by the belief in putting people first. At AIDS 2024, we are honored to share our journey and contribute to the global dialogue on ending AIDS.

 

SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM

MAC and MAF, together with the Ministry of Health and Sunway Group is proud to present our Satellite Symposium Program that will be held as part of the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, Germany.

TITLE: Overcoming barriers to PrEP & innovations in HIV services in Malaysia

Room 13A, Messe Munich Convention Centre

Central European Time: Thursday, 25 July 2024 | 6.00 - 7.30 pm
Malaysian Time: Friday, 26 July 2024 | 12 am - 1.30 am

All registered participants and delegates of the 25th AIDS conference are welcome to our satellite symposium

Light dinner will be served

STAY TUNED!

MAF will release a full recording of the satellite symposium for the benefit of our audience, partners and supporters, not long after the conclusion of the event. The recording will be available on our social media pages.

SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM

PART 1 | Overcoming barriers to PrEP

SPEAKERS |
Dr. Anita Suleiman
Dr Mazliza Ramly
Assoc Prof. Dr. Raja Iskandar Shah
Yan Nee Gan

PrEP is playing an increasingly crucial role in HIV prevention in Malaysia, a nation grappling with rising rates of sexual transmission of HIV, particularly among MSM, who now constitute over 70% of new HIV diagnoses. In Muslim-majority Malaysia, PrEP initially faced fierce resistance due to strong cultural and religious beliefs surrounding sexual behavior.

Additionally, mainstream narratives incorrectly associated PrEP exclusively with the LGBT community, a dangerous misconception that fueled moral judgment, stigma, and reluctance to view PrEP from a public health perspective.

Despite these challenges, pragmatism prevailed. In 2023, a year-long pilot initiative to provide PrEP at government primary healthcare facilities was launched with great success. Funded by the Global Fund and mobilized by community healthcare workers, the pilot initiative was very well received by key population members and is set for scaling up.

Navigating the fragile state of the PrEP program in Malaysia required intensive advocacy efforts with various stakeholders, including media agencies and religious leaders. Constructive engagement and public debates on PrEP were conducted to shift public opinion and foster a more positive view of PrEP.

HIV & Islam

To foster greater acceptance of PrEP among Malaysia’s Muslim-majority population, we are integrating PrEP into the HIV and Islam narrative.

By presenting PrEP within the framework of Islamic values, we emphasize that it safeguards the well-being of the Ummah (the Muslim community) by protecting them from the threat of AIDS. This strategy not only aligns with religious teachings but also aims to ensure the overall health and safety of society.

SATELLITE SYMPOSIUM

PART 2 | innovations in HIV services in Malaysia

SPEAKERS | Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin

In recent years, Malaysia has witnessed a significant shift in AIDS financing, marked by increased participation from local corporate organizations viewing HIV and AIDS through a sustainability lens.

Leading the way, Sunway Group—one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates—has been motivated by the global 90-90-90 target to end AIDS. This target focuses on eliminating barriers to HIV treatment, achieving the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) status for all people living with HIV (PLHIV).

 

Sunway Group’s long-term partnership with MAF has resulted in a commitment of over RM5 million. This funding aids MAF in providing HIV treatment and psychosocial support to PLHIV and B40 communities in the underdeveloped Malaysian Borneo States, addressing challenges like the urban-rural development divide and pervasive stigma in conservative rural communities.

 

Innovative HIV programs such as Sunway HOPE (Health Outreach Programme for Everyone), the Borneo Health Access Programme (SHAPE), and Teratak Kasih Tok Nan have been developed to further the shared mission of improving healthcare access for underprivileged communities living with HIV. These initiatives align with the common goal of eradicating the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

“

Our philosophy has always been to leave no one behind and to help as much as we can. Although what we can do is just part of a bigger picture, we hope to inspire others to do the same — help the marginalised and the underprivileged .”

Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah, KBE AO
Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group

SYMPOSIUM CHAIR

PROF DATO’ DR ADEEBA KAMARULZAMAN

Chairman, Malaysian AIDS Foundation

Pro Vice Chancellor and President, Monash University, Malaysia

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER

DR. ANITA SULEIMAN

President, Colleges of Public Health Medicine, Malaysia

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER

NIK TASHA NIK KAMARUDDIN

Chief Brand Stretegy Officer, 
Sunway Group

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER

DR MAZLIZA RAMLY

Principal Assistant Director,
Disease Control Division,. Ministry of Health, Malaysia

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER

ASSOC PROF. DR. RAJA ISKANDAR SHAH

President, Malaysian AIDS Council

Infectious Disease Consultant,
Department of Medicine
University Malaya, Malaysia

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTER

YAN NEE GAN

Implementation Science,
Researcher, University Malaya, Malaysia

CONTACT


AZAHEMY ABDULLAH
Communications Manager,
Malaysian AIDS Council
+6016.646.5874 / azahemy@maf.org.my