Social stigma prevents drug users from getting help and proper treatment

KLANG - Society’s social stigma on drugs and its users must change in efforts for them to get proper treatment and professional help.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this was applicable not only to drug users but also to those suffering from mental illness.

“Society’s stigma could be the reason why many drug users do not come forward to receive treatment and help.

“The typical mindset when people hear about addiction issues is to give horrible comments for them to be arrested and sent to prison.

“If society continues to have such perception on top of unscientific facts, prejudice and judgemental attitudes, it will influence the users to choice of seeking help,” he said during a press conference after launching Smart “GO-NGO” Model KK 2.0 national level at the end AIDS initiative ceremony today.

Khairy said under the initiative, health ministry personnel and non-governmental organisations (NGO) has gone to the ground together and educated vulnerable groups on the risks of drug use and treatment available.

He said this programme allows NGOs to be part of the Klinik Kesihatan (KK) (Health Clinics) operations.

He said this helps strengthen the programme's outreach and reduce the risks of them contracting HIV or AIDS.

KK Pandamaran in Klang, he said, was chosen to carry out the programme with the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC).

Khairy added that there will also be community checks with NGOs.

He said the government hopes to end AIDS in 2030 under the National Strategic Plan in Ending AIDS 2016-2030.