More than 1,000 children infected with HIV over 27 years
A file photo showing children in India taking part in an event to create awareness about AIDS on the eve of world AIDS day in Kolkata, India on Nov 30, 2014. - AFP Photo/Dibyangshu Sarkar
A total of 1,076 HIV infection cases involving children under 13 was recorded nationwide between 1986 and 2013, says Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) executive director Jasmin Jalil.
He said according to Health Ministry statistics, 50 new HIV cases among children were recorded in 2013 or one percent of the overall infection cases, totalling 101,672 cases for the 27-year period.
"These children are infected with HIV during pregnancy, usually because of their mother's reluctance to take any medication to prevent the infection," he told reporters after an AIDS Charity Ride programme here Sunday.
The programme, jointly organised by MAF and University Kebangsaan Malaysia is aimed at raising funds to help people living with HIV, especially the less fortunate.
A total of 250 participants took part in the event which was held in conjunction with 'Zero Discrimination Day'.
According to Jasmin, the HIV infection among those aged between 13 and 29 stood at 34 percent out of the total infection cases for the period of 27 years.
On Zero Discrimination Day, he said the foundation would continue to intensify efforts to erode society's stigma against people living with HIV or affected by HIV.
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