Partnership to make healthcare accessible
Your browser does not support the audio element.
Accessing healthcare in Sabah can be challenging due to distance, poverty and transportation costs. To address this, the Sabah Health Access Programme (Shape) was set up in 2018 by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) with support from the Sunway Group's Hope Borneo grant. Shape helps eligible patients get to hospital appointments by covering their travel and transportation needs.
Since its launch, Shape has assisted over 2,500 beneficiaries across Sabah. The Malaysian Health Ministry supplies clinical care, Sunway Group provides corporate resources, while MAF collaborates with local communities to tackle socioeconomic obstacles that prevent patients from fully benefiting from healthcare services.
MAF chairman Professor Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman emphasizes that healthcare access isn't just about the availability of doctors, medicines and treatment. A patient's ability to reach treatment is equally crucial. If a patient can't afford to travel, the healthcare system hasn't truly reached them.
With increasing healthcare demands, partnerships between government, business and communities can bridge critical gaps and ensure healthcare investments reach those in need. Shape's support has also extended to Sarawak, where it has received a RM2.25 million contribution from the Sarawak government.
In HIV care, continuity of treatment is vital. Patients on effective antiretroviral treatment can maintain an undetectable viral load, allowing them to lead healthy, productive lives. An undetectable viral load also prevents the person from sexually transmitting HIV, known as "undetectable = untransmittable" (U=U).
By supporting Shape, the partnership contributes to Malaysia's goal of ending AIDS by 2030 as outlined in the Health Ministry's National Strategic Plan.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
