90% of Msians don't use condoms

From: Tanki <5191...@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 21:36:18 -0800 (PST)
Local: Tues, Dec 8 2009 1:36 pm
Subject: 90% of Msians don't use condoms

GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA - Some 90% do not use condoms and this is a
source of worry because it can contribute to the rise of HIV/AIDS
cases, said social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

Marina, an Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS steering
committee member, said drug users continued to neglect the use of
condoms despite the contraceptives being distributed for free by some
non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

"Condoms are 98% safe and it can present an affordable way to combat
the spread of the disease," she told reporters yesterday after the
opening of the World HIV/AIDS Day national conference.

The two-day conference was launched by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow
Tiong Lai.

Marina said 24-hour convenience stores should be allowed to sell
condoms off-the-shelf although some state governments were against it.

Malaysian AIDS Council vice-president Datuk Zaman Khan said the
distribution of free condoms did not mean that NGOs were encouraging
free sex.

In his speech, Liow said the country was on track towards achieving
the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of halting and
reversing the spread of HIV by 2015.

He said the disease remained a potent threat because of the increasing
infection through sex and more women were becoming infected.

Liow said the notification rate of HIV/AIDS in the country had
continued to fall each year after it peaked at 6,978 cases or 28.5%
per 100,000 population in 2002.

Last year, it was 13.3% per 100,000 population and this year
indication shows that it may drop to 11% per 100,000.

"I am optimistic that the country can arrest the spread of HIV/AIDS by
2015 based on current trends," he said.