MAC, MAF Want Integrated Approach To Combat Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS Epidemics
By CodeBlue | 29 July 2024
The Malaysian AIDS Council and Malaysian AIDS Foundation call for a cohesive response to the hepatitis and HIV/AIDS epidemics with integrated screening and diagnosis, combined treatment for co-infected people, and unified public health campaigns.
Assoc Prof Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, infectious disease consultant at UMMC and President of the Malaysian AIDS Council, speaks to CodeBlue in an interview at Common Ground Jaya One on March 20, 2023.
Photo by Saw Siow Feng for CodeBlue.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) are commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2024 by calling for a unified and holistic approach to tackle the intertwined epidemics of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
On this crucial day, it is imperative to highlight the intersection of these two public health crises and advocate for comprehensive strategies to address them collectively. This year’s theme for World Hepatitis Day—”It’s Time for Action”—reflects this commitment.
The connection between hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV/AIDS is well-documented.
People living with HIV (PLHIV) are disproportionately affected by hepatitis due to shared transmission routes, such as intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.3 million people worldwide are co-infected with HIV and HCV. In Malaysia, the burden of co-infection is significant, exacerbating the challenges faced by health care providers and patients alike.
“Addressing HIV/AIDS and hepatitis as separate issues undermines the effectiveness of public health interventions,” said Assoc Prof Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, president of MAC. “A cohesive response is essential for integrated screening and diagnosis, which can lead to early treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing transmission rates.”
MAC and MAF emphasize that combining treatment protocols for co-infected individuals optimizes treatment regimens, minimizes drug interactions, and enhances patient adherence.
Unified public health campaigns addressing shared risk factors and prevention strategies for both HIV and hepatitis can significantly curb the spread of these diseases.
Moreover, patients living with co-infections often face compounded social and psychological challenges, requiring holistic support systems that include mental health services and social support.
“We are dedicated to championing a holistic approach to public health that recognizes the interconnection between HIV/AIDS and hepatitis,” added Dr Raja Iskandar Shah. “Our project implementation partners are highly committed to taking action against viral hepatitis through various HIV programs conducted across Malaysia.”
More than 200 Community Health Workers (CHWs) of the Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations (DHSKP) Project, managed jointly by MAC and MAF, provide comprehensive services to program clients that include viral hepatitis prevention activities, screening tests, and linkage to treatment in clinics that provide viral hepatitis treatment, depending on the needs of the clients.
“Our advocacy efforts raise awareness about the dual epidemics and promote policy changes that support integrated healthcare approaches,” emphasised Dr Raja Iskandar Shah. “Additionally, we support research initiatives to gather data on the prevalence and impact of HIV and hepatitis co-infection in Malaysia, understanding the epidemiology of co-infection as vital for effective intervention.”
MAC and MAF are steadfast in its mission to promote an integrated and holistic public health response that effectively addresses the dual challenges of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, improving the lives of those affected by these interconnected epidemics.
At the regional level, MAC, as the leading organization for the Southeast Asia-South Asia (SASEA) platform of Coalition Plus—a global HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis working group—is collaborating with counterparts in India, Thailand, and Indonesia to align best practices in combating the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, with the goal of eliminating these epidemics by 2030.
Contact:
Su-Lyn Boo
Editor-in-Chief
CodeBlue
sulyn@galencentre.org
Source: CodeBlue
https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2024/07/29/mac-maf-want-integrated-approach-to-combat-hepatitis-hiv-aids-epidemics/
"Reproduced with permission - CodeBlue"
CodeBlue
For more HIV and AIDS News visit...
Positively Positive - Living with HIV/AIDS:
HIV/AIDS News
|
