AIDS COUNCIL

Today on the 1st December is World AIDS Day; 30 years ago the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or better known as HIV was discovered.

For almost 3 decades, the world is battling this epidemic and with medical advancement and social sensitization; prevention of HIV is possible, people living with HIV can live longer and support system to tackle the HIV gets better.

Although, is that enough?

We still read statistics of people getting infected, despite awareness, education and social support is given; we still hear family members being lost due to AIDS-related deaths; we still see people infected and affected with HIV & from high-risks to exposure are being discriminated.

With so many cross-border and cross-cultural issues of which are still of importance e.g.: climate change, economic growth, energy, sustainable development, security, education etc., HIV & AIDS agenda, which is considered an “old issue” are often not prioritized, if not overlooked.

We iterate our call for members of the society to take action with educating, not discriminating, continuing research, taking preventive measures, showing love and care; basically anything to continue to control and reduce the number of HIV & AIDS and showing our care & support to those whose lives are affected.

As we all know by now, there is currently no cure for HIV infection and it can still cause death. However, with current treatment that is available, early diagnosis should allow a person who has been infected with HIV to be given treatment early so as to ensure a near normal life span. Early diagnosis and treatment will also be able to prevent further transmission of the infection. Remember - HIV can infect anyone; it’s behaviours, not the person.

Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health have shown that most HIV infections in Brunei Darussalam have been due to unprotected sex. Additionally, more and more men who have sex with men are also testing positive as compared to previous years.

BDAC, therefore, would like to call on all those who at risk coming forward for testing. Confidential testing involves a simple blood test that is available at all government health centres and clinics. Knowing your HIV status will make you stronger because you will have the information you need to make good decisions about your sexual health and your future. If you find out that you are infected with HIV, you can seek medical care quickly and every step is made to ensure that your status remains confidential

With the World AIDS Day theme is on “Getting to Zero new infection, AIDS-related deaths and new infection”, on behalf of the community we would like also to add to these ‘3 Zeroes’ with our community’s own 3 zeroes i.e.

1. Zero access to funding: HIV & AIDS work relies on the work of community members and volunteers, which we are very thankful, yet, the programmes also need funds to run. For example, professionals & personnel are needed to conduct research, studies, capacity building etc. and this cannot be sustained with only donations.
2. Zero legal barriers: Laws are to protect the society, yet there are certain rules made (or not made) that impede HIV & AIDS prevention and intervention all over the world. An example would be, we need protective laws or regulations that protect people living with HIV or vulnerable subpopulations against discrimination.
3. Zero leadership will: HIV & AIDS work now has to compete with other agenda for the attention (& action) of leaders and policy makers. HIV prevalence in Brunei is considered to be very low but challenges in reducing sexually transmitted infections, implementation policy on life-skills based reproductive health education in our national curriculum and reaching out to high-risk behaviours needs the willingness of authorities to make the change.

As per our Vision, “Together Towards an AIDS-free Brunei Society”, Getting to Zero is only achievable when all (from policymakers in top positions to that child in a mother’s arms) are on board; this includes you who are reading this message too.

For this World AIDS Day, we would like to thank the Government of His Majesty for the support and assistance in doing HIV and AIDS advocacy work, our various donors, supporters and partners be it from companies, educational institutions, community leaders, media agencies and individuals who have played their part.

A special mention to the volunteers and their families in Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, including our youth division, the Penyinar Club, who gave their support, ideas, effort, time and even donations; all these to help Brunei Darussalam’s society in raising awareness on HIV and AIDS.

Getting to Zero is not impossible, yet we need everybody’s help and contribution. Do contact us on social media (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram) on #BDAIDSCOUNCIL or drop us an email at penyinarbdac@gmail.com and let’s discuss and take action on how we can play our part.

A 30-year-old person portrays energy, passion and wise decisions for a better future; the same can be said for HIV & AIDS too; never let our spirit dampens in battling HIV & AIDS.

Everybody, let’s get to Zero!

- Iswandy Ahmad, President, Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council