Expanding the Role of Pre-Marital HIV Screening: Way Forward for Zero New Infection

摘要

Pre-marital HIV screening is one of many initiatives taken by various worldwide countries to combat the fast spreading of HIV infections. In Malaysia, it was initially started in the year 2001 in Johor state the southern zone of Malaysia and subsequently with the collaboration of the Department of the Islamic Religious Affairs; it was made mandatory for all prospective Muslim couples. The main objective of this mandatory pre-marital HIV screening test was an early detection and appropriate management. Although the aim was beneficial, but there are still certain limitations, such as lack of confidentiality, stigmatization and termination of proposed marriage. Furthermore, there is obvious under-reporting of HIV cases among non-Muslims due to poor attendance at voluntary HIV screening. A small change in the existing policies may benefit this current program.