ID :
61890
Fri, 05/22/2009 - 13:20
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/61890
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WHEN M'SIAN CELEBRITIES TALK ON HIV/AIDS
By Rohana Mustaffa
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The viewers may have a different
perception when an artiste appears on television and talks about AIDS rather than seeing and hearing a doctor or an expert discusses the issue.
Hence, when Malaysian pop star Faizal Tahir spoke on AIDS, its stigma and
the society’s role over the issue in conjunction with the International AIDS
Memorial Day last Sunday, that segment on television had brought the attention
of a small family in Gombak near here.
“For years on, the public is used to hear volunteers like us, doctors and
experts talking on AIDS issues, hence when there is a fresh face of a popular
celebrity, it is hoped that it brings a difference," said Malaysian AIDS Council
(MAC) committee executive member Dr Soraya Azmi.
Twelve artistes and television personalities were named to join the recently
launched Red Ribbon Celebrity Support Programme.
Their role is to work with MAC and Malaysian AIDS Foundation to improve the
awareness of Malaysians on AIDS and HIV.
Hope is high for the celebrities -- Siti Nurhaliza, Fish Leong, Faizal
Tahir, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ayu, Umie Aida, Fahrin Ahmad, Owen Yap, Zainal Alam
Kadir, Aanantha, Uthayaa and Shah Shamsiri to boost the quality of life of
Malaysians living with HIV apart from boosting the public’s involvement in the
issue.
“Sometimes people may not notice that we have the big voice to make the
people join this effort," said Faizal.
MAC’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The initiative to rope in the celebrities is in line with MAC’s Strategic
Plan for 2008-1010 for the creation of supportive environment particularly that
related on issues of stigma and discrimination against AIDS patients and those
living with HIV.
The appearance of these celebrities at designated functions, visits to
shelter homes and as the representatives for MAC/MAF are hoped to assist those
living with HIV/AIDS better.
Their first mission is to lessen the stigma and discrimination heaped on
people with HIV/AIDS and their family.
The reason for this?
According to Dr Soraya, three out of four Malaysians said they would be
ashamed if they were infected with HIV, while one out of two said that they
would be embarrassed if someone in their family had HIV/AIDS.
This was according to a survey sponsored by Synovate (M) Sdn Bhd in 2008.
“This study showed that stigma and discrimination exist against Malaysians
living with HIV.
“The prejudice and discrimination directed at them and the groups and
communities that they are associated with can result in them being rejected from
their community, shunned and discriminated against," she said.
STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
It is estimated that some 85,000 Malaysians are HIV-positive and each day 10
to 15 Malaysians contract the virus.
And, the stigma and discrimination should have gone away.
According to Dr Soraya, many people already know that HIV is a virus that
the common methodd of spread are through sharing drug injecting needles,
unprotected sexual intercourse and from HIV-positive mother to her baby.
But with this basic knowledge is not enough.
“To stop the stigma and discrimination, we must clearly know that HIV does
not spread through social contact, shaking hands, eating together, working
together, children playing together or even sharing a meal and eating food
prepared by someone who is HIV positive.
“But our misunderstanding and extended imagination leads us to believe that
HIV can spread as easily as the flu, but this is simply not true.
“So we hope that by having our celebrity partners they can help make known
through their words and by example that social contact with an HIV positive
person will not lead to transmission of the virus," she said.
CAUSE OF STIGMA
“We want the celebrities of various races to help us disseminate this
knowledge to all Malaysians regardless of age, either those in the urban or
rural locations," said Dr Soraya.
She said the stigma on HIV/AIDS comes about from the fear, denial as well as
lack of knowledge and education.
Dr Soraya pointed out several aspects on the stigma and discrimination on
people living with HIV and AIDS patients.
* Blaming those living with HIV/AIDS – we tend to say that they got it out
of their own doing. This is not helpful attitude. All our religions promote
caring and understanding of those who are in difficulty and this should apply to
people living with HIV.
* Over emphasis on risk groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with
with men, drug users and others whereas now among those who have been diagnosed,
a greater number are heterosexual monogamous married women, meaning their only
partner is their husbands.
Dr Soraya said this is happening in Malaysia, similar to what is occurring
across the globe, due to biological vulnerability, gender inequality and power
imbalances in sexual relationships.
* Denial of healthcare and social support to those affected as well as
breach of privacy and loss of jobs. They should be able to get medicines they
need and must also be able to continue sustaining their livelihoods and
families.
The medical attention is important, but equally crucial is the attention
that someone needs from friends and family members apart from an environment
that is free from stigma and discrimination.
If all of these factors exist, then a HIV-positive person would be able to
live a normal life and be productive, she said.
POOR AWARENESS AMONG MALAYSIANS
Dr Soraya said the awareness on HIV/AIDS among Malaysians is still poor, a
fact which Fahrin admitted that is common even among Malaysian artistes, that is
before they joined the programme.
Now after being exposed to seminars on HIV/AIDS, Fahrin aims to be closer to
those who are affected by giving them moral support.
“From the discussions and what I have been exposed to, I am now aware that
there is harsh stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS due
to the lack of knowledge among the society where these people have the right to
live like the others.
“They have the right to live positively among the others and encouraged to
practice healthy lifestyle. I like talking and I will be using the time that I
have to help the MAC to explain any confusion that arises over this disease”,
said the popular television host and actor.
AIDS TERMINOLOGIES
MAC also draws the attention on terms that are frequently used to refer
HIV/AIDS, which are actually incorrect and should be corrected.
Among them is the phrase ‘AIDS carrier’ that indicates that as if the person
is the carrier of the disease.
‘AIDS victims’ should be replaced with ‘those who are HIV-positive’, ‘people
infected with AIDS’ or ‘people living with AIDS’.
There is no virus such as AIDS virus. The virus is known as Human
Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. The same with the ‘high-risk group’ that should
be replaced with high-risk acts (unsafe sex or sharing of hypodermic needles).
MAC opts for the phrase ‘people living with HIV or those who are
AIDS-positive’ rather than ‘AIDS patients’.
As for ‘AIDS test’, it should be ‘HIV antibody test’ as it is a test to
check the presence of HIV antibodies and not the virus.
MEANINGFUL MESSAGE
Meanwhile, MAF trustee Datuk Maznah Abdul Jalil said she hopes the artistes’
popularity and their sincerity would assist the MAF/MAC to deliver a meaningful
message to Malaysians from all walks of life.
Dr Soraya said:” People like us at the MAC, Health Ministry doctors and
officers can speak until the cow comes home, the audience might have been bored,
they may prefer the same message coming out from the mouth of celebrities”.
This celebrity effort receives the collaboration of YTL Group of Hotels,
Media Prima Berhad, Astro, and Mami’s Tart which contributes 10 per cent of the
proceeds from the sale of tarts to MAF.
The MAC also had came out with a booklet ”Kehidupan Yang Positif” (Positive
Living) that has a brief guide on those who are HIV-positive, those living with
HIV/AIDS, their caregivers, counselors, family and friends.
The booklet suggests how these people can live a normal life by making
changes and adaptations to their way of life.
It is complete with the basic questions and answers on matters related to
HIV/AIDS, medication, nutritional advice, exercise and the telephone number of
those who can be contacted.
"If you are confused, scared and do not know who to talk to on HIV, then
assume that this booklet is a brief guide on all things that you should know
about HIV/AIDS," according to the foreword of the booklet.
As for Fahrin and his celebrity friends in this programme, they can use the
booklet to assist them in their mission in the Red Ribbon Celebrity Support
Programme.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The viewers may have a different
perception when an artiste appears on television and talks about AIDS rather than seeing and hearing a doctor or an expert discusses the issue.
Hence, when Malaysian pop star Faizal Tahir spoke on AIDS, its stigma and
the society’s role over the issue in conjunction with the International AIDS
Memorial Day last Sunday, that segment on television had brought the attention
of a small family in Gombak near here.
“For years on, the public is used to hear volunteers like us, doctors and
experts talking on AIDS issues, hence when there is a fresh face of a popular
celebrity, it is hoped that it brings a difference," said Malaysian AIDS Council
(MAC) committee executive member Dr Soraya Azmi.
Twelve artistes and television personalities were named to join the recently
launched Red Ribbon Celebrity Support Programme.
Their role is to work with MAC and Malaysian AIDS Foundation to improve the
awareness of Malaysians on AIDS and HIV.
Hope is high for the celebrities -- Siti Nurhaliza, Fish Leong, Faizal
Tahir, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ayu, Umie Aida, Fahrin Ahmad, Owen Yap, Zainal Alam
Kadir, Aanantha, Uthayaa and Shah Shamsiri to boost the quality of life of
Malaysians living with HIV apart from boosting the public’s involvement in the
issue.
“Sometimes people may not notice that we have the big voice to make the
people join this effort," said Faizal.
MAC’S STRATEGIC PLAN
The initiative to rope in the celebrities is in line with MAC’s Strategic
Plan for 2008-1010 for the creation of supportive environment particularly that
related on issues of stigma and discrimination against AIDS patients and those
living with HIV.
The appearance of these celebrities at designated functions, visits to
shelter homes and as the representatives for MAC/MAF are hoped to assist those
living with HIV/AIDS better.
Their first mission is to lessen the stigma and discrimination heaped on
people with HIV/AIDS and their family.
The reason for this?
According to Dr Soraya, three out of four Malaysians said they would be
ashamed if they were infected with HIV, while one out of two said that they
would be embarrassed if someone in their family had HIV/AIDS.
This was according to a survey sponsored by Synovate (M) Sdn Bhd in 2008.
“This study showed that stigma and discrimination exist against Malaysians
living with HIV.
“The prejudice and discrimination directed at them and the groups and
communities that they are associated with can result in them being rejected from
their community, shunned and discriminated against," she said.
STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
It is estimated that some 85,000 Malaysians are HIV-positive and each day 10
to 15 Malaysians contract the virus.
And, the stigma and discrimination should have gone away.
According to Dr Soraya, many people already know that HIV is a virus that
the common methodd of spread are through sharing drug injecting needles,
unprotected sexual intercourse and from HIV-positive mother to her baby.
But with this basic knowledge is not enough.
“To stop the stigma and discrimination, we must clearly know that HIV does
not spread through social contact, shaking hands, eating together, working
together, children playing together or even sharing a meal and eating food
prepared by someone who is HIV positive.
“But our misunderstanding and extended imagination leads us to believe that
HIV can spread as easily as the flu, but this is simply not true.
“So we hope that by having our celebrity partners they can help make known
through their words and by example that social contact with an HIV positive
person will not lead to transmission of the virus," she said.
CAUSE OF STIGMA
“We want the celebrities of various races to help us disseminate this
knowledge to all Malaysians regardless of age, either those in the urban or
rural locations," said Dr Soraya.
She said the stigma on HIV/AIDS comes about from the fear, denial as well as
lack of knowledge and education.
Dr Soraya pointed out several aspects on the stigma and discrimination on
people living with HIV and AIDS patients.
* Blaming those living with HIV/AIDS – we tend to say that they got it out
of their own doing. This is not helpful attitude. All our religions promote
caring and understanding of those who are in difficulty and this should apply to
people living with HIV.
* Over emphasis on risk groups such as sex workers, men who have sex with
with men, drug users and others whereas now among those who have been diagnosed,
a greater number are heterosexual monogamous married women, meaning their only
partner is their husbands.
Dr Soraya said this is happening in Malaysia, similar to what is occurring
across the globe, due to biological vulnerability, gender inequality and power
imbalances in sexual relationships.
* Denial of healthcare and social support to those affected as well as
breach of privacy and loss of jobs. They should be able to get medicines they
need and must also be able to continue sustaining their livelihoods and
families.
The medical attention is important, but equally crucial is the attention
that someone needs from friends and family members apart from an environment
that is free from stigma and discrimination.
If all of these factors exist, then a HIV-positive person would be able to
live a normal life and be productive, she said.
POOR AWARENESS AMONG MALAYSIANS
Dr Soraya said the awareness on HIV/AIDS among Malaysians is still poor, a
fact which Fahrin admitted that is common even among Malaysian artistes, that is
before they joined the programme.
Now after being exposed to seminars on HIV/AIDS, Fahrin aims to be closer to
those who are affected by giving them moral support.
“From the discussions and what I have been exposed to, I am now aware that
there is harsh stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS due
to the lack of knowledge among the society where these people have the right to
live like the others.
“They have the right to live positively among the others and encouraged to
practice healthy lifestyle. I like talking and I will be using the time that I
have to help the MAC to explain any confusion that arises over this disease”,
said the popular television host and actor.
AIDS TERMINOLOGIES
MAC also draws the attention on terms that are frequently used to refer
HIV/AIDS, which are actually incorrect and should be corrected.
Among them is the phrase ‘AIDS carrier’ that indicates that as if the person
is the carrier of the disease.
‘AIDS victims’ should be replaced with ‘those who are HIV-positive’, ‘people
infected with AIDS’ or ‘people living with AIDS’.
There is no virus such as AIDS virus. The virus is known as Human
Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. The same with the ‘high-risk group’ that should
be replaced with high-risk acts (unsafe sex or sharing of hypodermic needles).
MAC opts for the phrase ‘people living with HIV or those who are
AIDS-positive’ rather than ‘AIDS patients’.
As for ‘AIDS test’, it should be ‘HIV antibody test’ as it is a test to
check the presence of HIV antibodies and not the virus.
MEANINGFUL MESSAGE
Meanwhile, MAF trustee Datuk Maznah Abdul Jalil said she hopes the artistes’
popularity and their sincerity would assist the MAF/MAC to deliver a meaningful
message to Malaysians from all walks of life.
Dr Soraya said:” People like us at the MAC, Health Ministry doctors and
officers can speak until the cow comes home, the audience might have been bored,
they may prefer the same message coming out from the mouth of celebrities”.
This celebrity effort receives the collaboration of YTL Group of Hotels,
Media Prima Berhad, Astro, and Mami’s Tart which contributes 10 per cent of the
proceeds from the sale of tarts to MAF.
The MAC also had came out with a booklet ”Kehidupan Yang Positif” (Positive
Living) that has a brief guide on those who are HIV-positive, those living with
HIV/AIDS, their caregivers, counselors, family and friends.
The booklet suggests how these people can live a normal life by making
changes and adaptations to their way of life.
It is complete with the basic questions and answers on matters related to
HIV/AIDS, medication, nutritional advice, exercise and the telephone number of
those who can be contacted.
"If you are confused, scared and do not know who to talk to on HIV, then
assume that this booklet is a brief guide on all things that you should know
about HIV/AIDS," according to the foreword of the booklet.
As for Fahrin and his celebrity friends in this programme, they can use the
booklet to assist them in their mission in the Red Ribbon Celebrity Support
Programme.
-- BERNAMA
