The HIV/AIDS pandemic is now well recognised as a major social problem in Malaysia. The statistics reported over 90,000 cases of HIV infected persons in the country.  This represented a substantial increase of HIV infected cases since the first case was detected in 1986.

The spread of HIV infection has caused concern as well as fear amongst various sectors of the population. Many people are ignorant and/or misinformed about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the sources and methods of infection and the way in which the HIV virus is transmitted.  Most people also lack the knowledge, skills and techniques needed to deal with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).

This lack of knowledge, techniques and management skills in dealing with HIV/AIDS has contributed to the spiralling problems of fear, labeling, stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.

There is an urgent need to promote HIV/AIDS education and prevention techniques to the community. This will correct the misinformation and reduce the fear and ignorance about HIV/AIDS.  It will also enable people to actively prevent the spread of HIV infection through effective preventive measures including the practice of safer sex and a healthy lifestyle.Community commitment and involvement is vital in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.