Malaysia to make HIV-Tests compulsory before Marriage

[abdulhakeem]

Negri to make HIV-testing a must for Muslim couples before marriage

Thursday November 30, 2006

JELEBU: Negri Sembilan is set to join other states in making HIV-testing compulsory for Muslim couples before marriage.

State Deputy Health, Science, Technology and Innovation committee chairman Datuk Roslan Mohd Yusof said that a proposal would be submitted for approval to the four undang and Yang DiPertuan Besar next month.

If approved, he said, the compulsory testing would begin next year.
“We want to reduce the rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the community,” he said yesterday after opening the state-level World AIDS Day ceremony on behalf of chairman Datuk Yu Chok Tow.

He added that couples with one HIV positive partner would be given advice on the treatment available as well as counselling.

“Some are still willing to get married because of love,” he said.

Selangor, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Perlis, Kedah and Pahang have already made HIV-testing compulsory for Muslim couples intending to get married.

Jakim director-general Datuk Mustapa Abdul Rahman had said in July that Muslim couples in all states would have to be tested for HIV, the virus which causes AIDS, before they could get married.

Health department deputy director Dr Omar Mihat, in his speech on behalf of director Datuk Dr Rosnah Ismail, said that response to voluntary HIV testing had not been encouraging.

“Maybe, they are afraid. The numbers are low even though the tests are free and confidential,” he said.

“It is hoped that more members of the public who want to know their health status will come forward to undergo the test.”

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/11/30/nation/20061130181533&sec=nation

[Te'oma]

I am in full agreement with this. In fact I would like to see a mandatory testing for all adults here, married or single.

[abdulhakeem]

I am in full agreement with this. In fact I would like to see a mandatory testing for all adults here, married or single. it is quite sad that it has to be decreed on ppl. any sane person who has a little sense of responsibility should actually be motivated enough to make such a test before marriage without interference from the state or gov.

[Lost_Princess]

that is so good finally they are doing something about preventing the disease from spreading i reckon every country should have that rule implemented :up::up: :)

[alld]

a stitch in time saves nine :)

[Al Qadr]

Thats a good idea :up:

[leela]

A wise move. People are doing something about controlling the spread of a dangerous infection. I hope the rest of the world follows their example.

[Te'oma]

it is quite sad that it has to be decreed on ppl. any sane person who has a little sense of responsibility should actually be motivated enough to make such a test before marriage without interference from the state or gov.

that's true but too many young people figure, it happens to someone else and that they are invincible. Others just don't care to know. Would this be an issue if it was a disease like tuberculosis? Everyone here in the food industry has to be tested for it or they aren't allowed to work. No one makes a big deal about that. The problem with HIV is that it is primarily an STD and we humans have piled shame and stigmas on people with STD's. It's a disease, plain and simple and ignorance and denial just serves to continue to help it spread