Rise in youths having HIV a crisis in values
Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 Text Size: The rise in HIV transmission — especially among youths — points not just to risky behaviour, but also to a growing void in guidance, family structure and spiritual grounding. Malaysia has witnessed a rise in HIV cases in recent years. The public health trend arguably reflects decay in societal morality. While medical advancements have enabled us to roll out harm reduction strategies such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), we must pause and ask: are we merely treating the symptoms? To be clear, PrEP is vital in curbing the spread of HIV, especially in high-risk populations. However, it is reactionary by nature. It addresses the aftermath of a problem. This is not merely a medical crisis. It is a crisis of values. The rise in HIV transmission — especially among youths — points not just to risky behaviour, but also to a growing void in guidance, family structure and spiritual grounding. More troubling is the emergence of policy proposals that seek to allow underage individuals to access HIV testing and medication without parental consent. While such ideas may stem from the intention to provide confidential care, they also carry the unintended consequence of further dismantling the family unit. Parents are being sidelined. The very people guiding, protecting and raising children are increasingly being excluded from crucial conversations about health and behaviour. This detachment only widens the already growing chasm between generations and undermines the institution of family as the first line of moral and emotional defence. If we truly want to combat HIV, we need to restore meaning to concepts like chastity, responsibility and dignity — values that are fading from the public consciousness. All stakeholders — the government, healthcare providers, religious leaders, educators, parents and civil society — must have the courage to say what needs to be said: that the HIV issue, in large part, is the fruit of immoral conduct, and that no pill, injection or test can replace the power of prevention through moral consciousness. True public health is not just the absence of disease — it is the presence of strong, healthy families, rooted in timeless values. If we continue to treat morality as a private matter and neglect it in public policies, we risk building a world where we are medically protected but spiritually bankrupt. FZR The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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