Giving Hope and Strengthening Support for HIV/AIDS Patients

Sabah must foster a society that deals with public health challenges with compassion, maturity, and understanding. In this effort, Government agencies, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, and the private sector must foster a strong and caring collaboration.

“The involvement of organisations such as Yayasan PETRONAS, Sunway Group, Berjaya Corporation Bhd and Affin Bank, among others, in healthcare responses demonstrates how shared responsibility and collective action create a better coordinated, and more sustainable impact. Our collaboration in healthcare must be seamless and far-reaching through the leadership and strategic direction of the Ministry of Health under the National Strategic Plan on Ending AIDS 2030," Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said on 17 May 2026 at the Red Ribbon High Tea at the Hilton Hotel, Kota Kinabalu.

The Government provides free treatment and care services, but many people still face challenges including financial and transportation logistics and especially those from low-income backgrounds and remote communities, the CM said. Expanding access to treatment remains a key priority, Hajiji said. “Programmes such as the Sabah Health Access Programme (SHAPE) served as an important support mechanism alongside initiatives such as MOH’s Differentiated HIV Services for Key Populations and selected Health Clinics across Sabah, Hajiji added.

“These programmes provide financial assistance to underprivileged Sabahans living with HIV/AIDS; arranging transportation to hospitals and clinics; and providing basic daily necessities.” HIV infections among young people in Sabah, particularly through sexual transmission, has seen rising numbers. “We need to give serious attention to the issue,” Hajiji said. “We must also address stigma and misinformation, which continue to hinder meaningful progress in the HIV response. We must ensure that patients continue to receive treatment consistently, and we must give them dignity and hope.”

Datuk Caesar Mandela Malakun, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, delivered the CM’s speech at the event organised by the Malaysia AIDS Foundation (MAF).