BINTULU: Strategic collaboration between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities continues to be the cornerstone in strengthening Sarawak's response to HIV and AIDS.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said an integrated approach involving various parties was crucial to ensure that affected groups received continuous treatment and support.

According to him, Sarawak recorded 205 new HIV cases in 2025 compared to 224 cases in the previous year, thus showing a decrease of 8.4 per cent.

“If patients are not managed and monitored properly, the disease can spread or their health conditions can worsen.

“This shows that all parties need to work together and play their respective roles,” he said when met by the media after the opening ceremony of Teratak Kasih Tok Nan here on Tuesday.

Datuk Amar Dr Sim said community support centres such as Teratak Kasih Tok Nan act as a link between patients and government health services, especially in ensuring that treatment continues without interruption.

According to him, constraints such as transportation problems and family support are often the reasons why patients fail to seek treatment consistently.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government shared that Bintulu Division still recorded the highest HIV incidence rate in Sarawak, which is 13 cases per 100,000 population, although it is showing a decreasing trend.

He said the situation required a more comprehensive approach including the involvement of community leaders and voluntary organisations at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Health Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib said emotional support and a positive environment were very important to help patients undergo treatment without social pressure.

According to her, stigma was still among the main factors that prevented patients from seeking early treatment.

“When the community understands the issue of HIV better, patients will feel more confident to come forward for treatment and support,” she said.

She stressed that efforts to curb HIV require long-term commitment and continuous engagement from all levels of society.

According to her, a community-based approach will continue to be the core in building a stronger and more effective support system in Sarawak. -UKASnews