HPB Maecs And Afa To Deepen Hiv Aids Knowledge In The Malay Community

The Health Promotion Board (HPB), Malay Activity Executive Committees (MAECs) for three Constituencies, and Action for AIDS (AfA) are combining their resources and expertise to deepen awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS in the Malay community. Through an integrated and holistic approach, consisting of carnivals (Fiesta Famili), educational materials and media campaigns, the partnership will address gaps in knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.

 
2 It is crucial to know the facts of HIV/AIDS and debunk the myths and prejudices towards the disease. HPB values the network and expertise that our partners, MAECs and AfA, contribute to the synergy, which enable us reach deeper into the community to address the issue of HIV/AIDS, said Ms Mandy Govender, Deputy Director, Communicable Diseases Education, Health Promotion Board.

 
3 Data from the National Behavioural Surveillance Survey (NBSS), conducted every four years, showed that close to three quarters (74%) of the Malay respondents surveyed were aware of at least two ways to prevent HIV/AIDS. However, only around half (53%) of the same Malay respondents were willing to care for a close relative with HIV/AIDS at their home, and 16% of the Malay respondents were willing to share a meal with the HIV/AIDS condition. Hence, there is a need to address the gap between knowledge and acceptance of HIV/AIDS within the community.

Community Engagement
4 To reach out and engage the community, Fiesta Famili, a fun and entertaining family carnival, will form part of the holistic campaign. Messages on HIV/AIDS prevention, myths and misconceptions will be woven into the carnival s activities and delivered to the Malay community in a culturally sensitive manner.

 
5 Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Member of Parliament (MP) for Aljunied GRC, will kick-off the first Fiesta Famili on Saturday, 23 January 2010 at his Eunos Constituency. Thereafter, the Fiesta Famili will rove to Woodlands Constituency (Sembawang GRC) and Aljunied-Hougang Constituency (Aljunied GRC) over the next two weekends, with the support of the respective local MPs, Ms Ellen Lee and Mr Yeo Guat Kwang.

 
6 We hope that more people in the community can have easier access to factual information and knowledge of HIV/AIDS . This will make them better understand the cause and effect of the disease. We are pleased to be a partner in this project and we look forward to more of such collaborations with HPB and the AFA, said Mr Mohd Yahya Zakaria Attia, BBM, Chairman of Eunos MAEC.

 
7 "We have been reaching out to the community for the past two decades to raise understanding of HIV/AIDS as well as to combat discrimination and stigmatisation of HIV/AIDS patients. Previous collaborations with partners such as the HPB have received good responses and we are pleased to continue this partnership, said Mr Lionel Lee, Executive Director, AfA.

 Mass Media

 8 In addition, influential and popular media channels such as Warna 94.2FM, Berita Harian/Minggu and Manja magazine will reinforce the facts of HIV/AIDS and dispel common myths and misconceptions.

 
9 In particular, Warna 94.2FM will be running a radio drama based on real-life HIV/AIDS experiences to encourage acceptance of people living with HIV/AIDS. A booklet featuring similar experiences will also be distributed at the campaign s educational events.