Issues on HIV in Brunei (from Borneo Bullettin dated June 9th, 2010 Wednesday)

HIV cases still a concern in Brunei

By Siti Hajar

Even though government bodies as well as private institutions have taken steps in promoting awareness against promiscuous activities, cases of HIV/AIDS are still being recorded, with high chances that other members of the general population may unknowingly get infected with the deadly disease.

Ever since the establishment of surveillance in 1986, 56 local cases have been recorded by the end of 2009 with an additional three cases this year.

"You're talking about human nature," said Dr Hajah Ramlah, Director-General of Health Services, when taking into consideration that the Sultanate highly values conservative practices.

"A big majority of the cases know that HIV/AIDS is the result of indulging in high-risk behaviour," she added.

"We can give so much information (on HIV/AIDS) but it is up to the individual to practise it."

A number of the cases have succumbed to the deadly virus and only 20 carriers of the virus are still being monitored and treated by the Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, according to Dr Ahmad Fakhri, a medical officer under the Disease Control Division, the concentrated age range for HIV/AIDS is between 20 and 29 years. Some cases have also seen senior citizens as well as newborn babies who have contracted the virus from either or both parents during pregnancy.

"This is probably just the tip of the iceberg," he said referring to the number of cases and urged those who have placed themselves at risk to get tested. He also added that most cases are not aware that they were carriers of the disease until they were screened for HIV/AIDS or after they consulted a medical practitioner when they fell ill.

HIV, or 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus', infects cells of the human immune sys tem and destroys or impairs their function. Infections due the virus results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, thus leading to 'Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome' or AIDS, leaving the individual more susceptible to a wide range of infections.

An estimated 33.4 million people worldwide were recorded living with the disease with an approximate two million deaths by the end of 2008.