KUALA LUMPUR: Of the 3,185 new HIV cases recorded last year, 4.2% or 135 cases involved adolescents aged between 10 and 19, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic).
He said the ministry has increased access to early HIV screening to encourage early detection
Among them is the HIV self-test alongside the TestNow website, which offers information on HIV, risk assessments and access to self-testing kits, which was launched in December 2023.
“As of June 2025, the platform has recorded 188,425 visitors, averaging 324 visitors daily, with 13.4% identified as having a high risk of HIV exposure.
“The ministry also extended the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) Model KK 2.0 to 33 government health clinics through strategic government-NGO partnerships.
“This aims to improve HIV service delivery for key populations, including at-risk youth,” he said in a written reply.
Dzulkefly said the ministry is improving preventive treatment and long-term care of HIV, including broadening access to preventive and therapeutic options.
“The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to curb HIV transmission among young people, outline a series of immediate strategies centred on prevention education, early testing, access to treatment and nationwide efforts to eliminate stigma,” he said.
Dzulkefly was responding to Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) who asked about the immediate strategies and policies to address the rise in HIV cases among Malaysian adolescents.
The minister said Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is provided to partners of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and high-risk individuals.
“When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of HIV transmission by around 99% through sexual contact and 74% through needle sharing.
“Coverage of Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment continues to be expanded to ensure PLHIV can live healthy, normal lives,” he said.
Dzulkefly also stressed that combating HIV requires holistic cooperation across government agencies, NGOs, the private sector and community groups.
He said parents play an essential role in monitoring their children’s wellbeing and ensuring at-risk adolescents receive appropriate healthcare.
