Malaysia Records 54% Drop in New HIV Infections Over Two Decades: Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): Malaysia has seen a significant 54% decline in new HIV infections between 2002 and 2024, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad.
In a written parliamentary reply, Dr. Dzulkefly said 3,185 new HIV cases were recorded in 2024, a slight decrease from 3,222 cases reported in 2023.
He noted, however, that cases transmitted through homosexual or bisexual contact showed a minor increase, rising to 2,037 cases in 2024, compared to 1,995 cases in 2023, representing a 2% uptick.
The data was provided in response to a question from Zulkifli bin Ismail (PN–Jasin), who sought updated statistics on HIV infections among the LGBTQ community and those linked to drug use.
Dr. Dzulkefly highlighted that infections related to sharing contaminated needles and syringes among drug users have dropped dramatically over the years.
“In 2005, 66% of new infections (or 4,038 cases) were linked to drug use. This figure has since declined to 2.7% (87 cases) in 2023 and further to 2.4% (77 cases) in 2024, thanks to the harm reduction program introduced in 2005/2006,” he said.
The harm reduction initiative includes needle exchange programs and methadone maintenance therapy aimed at reducing transmission among high-risk groups.
Health experts have praised Malaysia’s progress but warned that the country must intensify efforts to address rising infections among youth and sexual transmission cases.
They have urged authorities to adopt more targeted, inclusive, and stigma-free strategies, especially for young people, while moving away from generic or moral-based prevention campaigns that may fail to reach those most at risk.
Malaysia’s overall decline in new HIV cases marks a major milestone in its public health efforts, but experts stress that continued education, accessibility to testing, and compassionate healthcare policies remain crucial to achieving the national goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.