Malaysia
Health and HIV situation
By December 2006, an estimated 5,830 new HIV cases were reported in Malaysia compared to 7,000 in 2002. AIDS-related deaths reached 976 in 2006. With an estimated HIV prevalence rate of 0.4%, Malaysia currently faces a concentrated epidemic primarily driven by injecting drug use and un-protected heterosexual contact.
National HIV programme and response
The National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS 2006-2010 concentrates on reducing the transmission and impact of HIV/AIDS by using harm reduction approaches and by increasing access to HIV prevention, care and treatment for affected populations.
Migration patterns
In Asia, Malaysia is a major destination country for migrant workers from Indonesia, Nepal, Viet Nam, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Migrants represent almost 12% of the Malaysian population.
HIV response for migrant populations: Gaps and opportunities
Despite national commitment to address the HIV epidemic, several gaps remain including a lack of HIV prevention interventions targeting sex workers and their clients. The majority of HIV prevention programmes targeting vulnerable groups (injecting drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men) are carried out by NGOs and community-based organizations which face numerous financial and human resource challenges.