The HIV & Islam Manual, used to institutionalise HIV and AIDS education into the formal training of religious leaders, was officially launched on 5 August 2010 at the Islamic Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Initiatives to develop the content of the Manual were jointly undertaken by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Ministry of Health, with Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) assuming an advisory role. The Manua discusses Islamic principles of HIV prevention, management of HIV in Islamic rituals, and most notalby the religion’s intolerance for stigma and discrimination.
Shelter Care for Muslim Living with HIV
The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) took the lead in the effort to improve the availability and delivery of home-based HIV treatment and care services. The first shelter home for Muslims living with HIV, Istana Budi, opened in Kuang in 2010. Constrution and operations of Istana Budi were entirely funded by MAIS. The 10,000 sq ft facility can accommodate up to 50 residents at one time. It is run by professional caregivers and offers rehabilitation services and basic nursing care.
Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam for TLDM
A one-day HIV awareness programme for the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), held at the TLDM Naval Base ini Lumut, Perak, on 16 October 2010 culminated in a taped recording of popular television talk show Forum Perdana Hal Ehwal Islam. It was jointly organised by the Department of Islamci Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC). Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter Fahrin Ahmad appeared as a guest panellist who discussed MAC’s year long Get Treated campaign to an audience of 5,000 people. It was aired on RTM 1 in conjunction with World AIDS Day on 02 December 2010.