Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala returns

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF)’s Red Ribbon Gala is set to make its comeback this Friday, after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Held at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, the event will observe stringent health and safety protocols due to Covid-19, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant.

The gala aims to highlight the urgency of increasing HIV treatment access in order to achieve the mission to end AIDS.

MAF chairman Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said proceeds from the Red Ribbon Gala this year would go towards MAF’s Medicine Assistance Scheme, an initiative that helps underprivileged Malaysians living with HIV gain access to lifesaving antiretroviral treatment.

“With 40 years of history, science and progress, ending AIDS is no longer a distant dream but a reality - to the advent of antiretroviral treatment, which has enabled people living with HIV to effectively lead normal lives and prevent transmission,” she said during a virtual press conference via Zoom.

“However, much like the Covid-19 pandemic, socioeconomic disparities negatively impacts access to healthcare and treatment, continuing to put the underserved, underprivileged and marginalised at risk.

“Efforts and resources to place access to antiretroviral treatment at the heart of our ending AIDS mission is critical. As such, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that these lifesaving medicines will reach as many Malaysians living with HIV as possible,” she said.

In addition, the Sunway-MAF Tun Dr Siti Hasmah award will also be presented to honour unsung heroes who have shown exceptional leadership in their work to support those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The gala will also feature talented singer and MAF’s Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter , Dayang Nurfaizah who will be performing a repertoire of classic Malay standards from her latest album, Belagu.

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) was formed in 1993 and fully incorporated in 2003 with the primary objective of helping the less-privileged Malaysian living with HIV to prolong and improve their quality of life.