Bandar seri begawan: The prevention and early detection of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are crucial components in responding to the virus, as highlighted by the Minister of Health in his message for World AIDS Day. The Minister emphasized that access to accurate information and a correct understanding, particularly concerning HIV transmission, can empower individuals to avoid high-risk activities. Among the preventive measures is avoiding activities that can cause HIV infection.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar stated that the Ministry of Health is committed to providing access to quality and comprehensive HIV services. The Ministry aims to strengthen efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination, raise awareness, and ensure that every individual in need can access testing, treatment, and appropriate care. He further explained that the Ministry will continue to support the efforts of NGOs in the country, such as the HIV Awareness Programme for Peers and Youth (HAPPY), to educate adolescents and youth about sexually transmitted diseases.

In Brunei Darussalam, since the first HIV case was reported in 1986, a total of 537 cases have been recorded with 110 deaths as of December 2024. In 2024 alone, 44 new HIV cases were recorded, with 90 percent of the cases being men, and most of those infected being young people aged between 25 and 30 years. The theme for the celebration, ‘OVERCOMING DISRUPTION, TRANSFORMING THE AIDS RESPONSE,’ serves as a call to enhance global efforts to end AIDS by ensuring access to quality health services without stigma or discrimination for those infected or at risk.