ADDRESSING THE DUAL BURDEN OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI) AND HIV/AIDS IN MALAYSIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Malaysia has achieved notable success in HIV/AIDS prevention, including the elimination of mother-to-child transmission and widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, significant challenges persist in addressing the dual burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and achieving the 95-95-95 HIV cascade targets. This narrative review aims to synthesize evidence on the barriers and facilitators of STI and HIV/AIDS prevention in Malaysia, emphasizing sociocultural and systemic factors within a family health context. A thematic synthesis was conducted using literature retrieved from databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus to explore constraints and innovative strategies. Key findings demonstrate that cultural norms and religious beliefs perpetuate stigma, hindering access to care and education, particularly for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals. Systemic issues, including pervasive healthcare worker bias, late HIV diagnoses (68% in 2023), and privacy concerns surrounding digital health tools, further constrain progress. Framing these issues within family health reveals profound financial, emotional, and intergenerational impacts. By addressing these deep-rooted cultural and systemic barriers through evidence-based, inclusive strategies, Malaysia can accelerate progress toward its 2030 goal of ending AIDS and reducing the STI burden.