This year’s WAD theme is apt as it encompasses the feeling of insecurity that is prevalent not only within the field of HIV (from research to advocacy to services) but also across the globe. It is also an appropriate reminder that any disruption (be it climate or funding or policies) can be weathered by adapting our response, modifying our strategies, and altering our expectations. We need to survive long enough not only for the storm to pass but also to see advances in treatment.
Tell us about your journey of coming out
I guess I’ve always known that I was different from other boys. I was quieter, more into books than sporty activities. School recess time was spent with other boys where we discussed similar interests like movies or TV series. There was no words to describe me until I heard remarks of sissy, girly, pondan (in Bahasa), etc. Admittedly it was scary to know that different didn’t mean good or accepted. Early on I knew that being different was common in my family, a grand aunt had a close female friend who adopted a daughter; a distant uncle was a little more flamboyant, a close aunt had a female partner who cared for each other. I was glad that I had some examples of a kind of unspoken acceptance within the greater family structure. When I finally mustered up the courage to confide in my close aunt, saying “You know how you and Auntie (her partner) are close; Reuben and I are also close too.” It was just quiet support and assurance.
What is the situation of people living with HIV in your country?
In Malaysia, citizens who are HIV positive are very fortunate as the government ensures that all general hospitals under the Ministry of Health have an Infectious Diseases clinic that provide the best care to all who choose to seek treatment there. Specialist doctors, nurses and support staff are often part of knowledgeable teams managing patients across the country. In addition, more government run Health Clinics, private hospitals and private clinics offer a wide range of choices depending on an individual’s financial capability.
Even though the Ministry of Health does what it can in offering the best possible treatment, there remains many challenges from some who continually sow fear and distrust for various motives – some political, some religious, some personal. Stigma and Discrimination is still perpetuated even among some of our own Key Populations don’t realise that anyone is vulnerable to exposure when we are unable to assess our own risk behaviours.
What and how are you/your organisation doing to address these challenges?
For my team at KLASS (Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society) and I, we continue to listen to the needs of the community and try our best to respond. Be it the convenience of accessing Prevention services, receiving free screening Tests, linking to Treatment facilities, and continually receiving Support when needed. Each individual’s journey is different and their needs for information and care evolves over time as they navigate the return to optimum health.
Currently all programs are focused on the Prevention, Testing and Treatment part. The Care and Support services have been relegated to less importance, thus reflected in the minimal funding allocations available to maintain these services. Even those who claim to support the Poz community are powerless to help. Now keeping our doors open has become the most urgent of all our immediate needs for our NGO.
What support do you/your organisation need?
Currently we have a dedicated team on the Executive Committee and Management of KLASS. All are volunteers who give of their own personal time to the organisation. What is of immediate concern is the ability to ensure that there are sufficient funds to ensure that we won’t have to worry about how we are going to afford our next rental and utilities payments.
It would be a great relief to not have to worry about the survival of the NGO and be able to continue to concentrate on providing the necessary services and support that people actually need. In fact, over the past 24 years of KLASS’ existence, the organisation has consistently created service concepts that have been proven to work. Many of these have been successfully adapted for use by numerous other NGOs across the country. Early Hospital Peer Support Programme; HIV Treatment Literacy Modules; Key Populations Online Outreach; as well as Linkage to Testing and Treatment services; are some of the projects that began at KLASS.
Anything else you wish to add?
We realise that with all that’s happening economically in Malaysia, most people are increasingly more aware of their expenditures especially when it comes to donating to a cause. That’s why we have to make a concerted effort to source the most basic amount of USD1,500 to maintain some form of stability to work from. It is necessary to look toward regional entities and individuals to give KLASS a fighting chance to continue operations.
Learn More About Our HERO Awards Recipient
HIV Hero
Andrew Tan
Malaysia
