HIV Infections Among Tertiary Students in Malaysia on the Rise

The Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, has expressed concern over an increasing trend of HIV infections among tertiary students in Malaysia aged 18 to 25.

In a written parliamentary reply, Dr. Zambry shared data from the Health Ministry showing that 214 students in public and private higher education institutions were reported to have HIV in 2020. Although the number slightly dropped to 186 in 2021, it rose again to 221 in 2022 and 224 in 2023.

Dr. Zambry noted that students from these institutions accounted for between 6.7% and 7.6% of new HIV cases each year during the mentioned period.

In response to a query from Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai) about the number of infected students from 2020 onwards, Dr. Zambry stated that his ministry plans to implement various programs aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing HIV advocacy, awareness, and prevention efforts.

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