World AIDS Day: A Celebration of Resilience, Courage, and Partnership
Kuala Lumpur, 13 December 2024 – The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) closed the 2024 World AIDS Day (WAD) celebrations with a powerful and inspiring event that showcased the courage, resilience, and transformative spirit of the HIV community.
The event officiated by Associate Professor Dr Raja Iskandar Shah bin Raja Azwa, President of MAC. Held in the presence of over community members, activists, and partners, the event was a fitting culmination of a successful year in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A highlight of the event was the courage of seven remarkable individuals living with HIV who took centre stage, proudly and openly sharing their HIV status—not under the cover of anonymity or pseudonyms, but with boldness and pride. Among them were a single mother, a young man in his twenties, and a veteran activist who has been living with HIV for over 30 years. Their diverse stories represent the evolving face of the epidemic and serve as a clarion call to shatter stigma and outdated perceptions about HIV.
These seven individuals embody the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Today, people living with HIV can live long, fulfilling lives, have children, and pursue their dreams—possibilities enabled by advances in medical science and robust community support. As we stand on the brink of potentially ending AIDS, this event served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort, determination, and grit required to achieve this ambitious goal.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The event also celebrated the extraordinary legacy of activists who paved the way for the current successes in HIV response. KOMITED Malaysia, a leading organization supporting people who inject drugs, was honored with the prestigious Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Award. Khalid Hashim, KOMITED Malaysia’s founder, delivered a moving speech reflecting on the organization’s 30-year journey of providing second chances and championing change.
Khalid’s words resonated deeply, reminding the audience of the importance of resilience and dedication in the fight against HIV/AIDS. His organization’s work continues to inspire activists, stakeholders, and community members across the nation.
Beyond Medical Care: Advancing Equity and Inclusion
The World AIDS Day celebrations emphasized that achieving health equity and removing socio-economic barriers are just as crucial as providing medical treatment. This year’s theme, “Taking the Right Path,” serves as a timely reminder of the complex challenges that must be addressed to end AIDS.
The day’s activities highlighted the strength of partnerships between civil society and the government. Dr. Fazidah Yuswan, representing the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to collaborating with community organizations. Her presence at the event underscored the growing synergy between public health institutions and grassroots efforts.
The Ministry of Health’s partnership with MAC and MAF recently reached a new milestone with the announcement of an additional RM1 million in funding for the HIV prevention grant to NGOs. This increase will raise the annual allocation for the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) fund to RM8 million, starting in 2025—a significant boost for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The World AIDS Day celebration was a vibrant showcase of creativity and advocacy. Highlights included the Best Practice Convention, which spotlighted innovative civil society initiatives in HIV prevention, and the Community-Run Flea Market, which empowered local entrepreneurs while raising awareness. Exhibitions and performances blended education with entertainment, creating an energetic and impactful experience.
A highlight was the electrifying dance competition led by Kuala Lumpur’s top performers, merging art and activism to bring fresh vitality to HIV/AIDS awareness.
The event was made possible through the support of partners such as Abbott Laboratories, SPD Scientific, GSK Healthcare, and others, reflecting the importance of public-private collaboration in the fight against AIDS.
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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Communications Department, Malaysian AIDS Foundation
o Noor Zahra Zamalik | media@maf.org.my | 010-2925162
o Azahemy Abdullah | media@maf.org.my | 016 646 5874
