World Aids Day
Inner Wheel Club of Klang
11 December 2022
President Dr. Theyveeka from the Inner Wheel Club of Klang (IWC Klang) has been spreading using the platform “Caring Outreach Project – No one left Behind” to bring Aids & HIV awareness to the public for a while now. She has taken the next step by organising a visit to Destiny Old Folks Welfare Association Klang for Men and Women where a majority of patients are infected with HIV, in conjunction with World AIDS Day 2022.
Dr. Saravanan, Chairman of Malaysia Medical Association (MMA) AIDS & Dr.Dinesh Vice President of Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) were the special guests who were invited to give talks to the public, Club members and others on AIDS & HIV.
Dr Dinesh of MAC, mentioned that due to these patients being stigmatised by their families, friends and the public, they end up homeless and/or don’t seek treatment. The root cause of this would be due to wrong perception and lack of knowledge of HIV. Therefore, educating the public on the virus would help reduce the stigma faced by these patients.
Furthermore, he also mentioned, HIV patients can be treated with medication and can keep their viral load at a controlled value where they will not be able to transmit them and are able to lead normal lives. The guests from MMA & MAC appreciated President Dr. Theyveeka and IWC Klang’s members for organising this event at an actual Home which houses HIV patients as usually such talks are held at halls elsewhere.
Father Stephan, the Founder of Destiny Homes, pleaded for support from the public as Homes for HIV patients do not get support from the Government. He also thanked President Dr. Theyveeka for her efforts in organising the World Aids Day at Destiny Home. The project was an eye opener for many who received information about AIDS, its treatment, and preventative measures undertaken to control the disease.
President Dr. Theyveeka and members present handed over some medicines to the HIV patients. This fruitful project concluded successfully and lunch was provided for the patients while medical gloves and rice were handed over to the Home. Participants were presented with Certificates of Appreciation from MMA AIDS.
~ Karthini Munusamy