While most countries have seen a decrease in new HIV infections between 2010 to 2019, Malaysia had reported a 4% increase, along with Pakistan (57%) and Philippines (203%).

Dr Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa of Universiti Malaya Medical Centre said much of the virus transmission is concentrated in cities like Kuala Lumpur, where one in three young MSM was HIV positive.

“This is largely driven by digitalisation, increasing connectivity through social media and dating applications,” he said, in a media briefing on the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Southeast Asia.

He added that younger MSM also often looked for a “safe space” in virtual settings.

According to Iskandar, the use of drugs for the purpose of sex was also possibly driving the HIV epidemic among the younger population in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said 5% to 15% of MSM from Asia-Pacific countries had reportedly taken drugs, particularly crystal meth, before engaging in sexual activities in the past six months alone.

Iskandar said there was a greater need for domestic funding for HIV prevention, rather than relying on international funds.

He also said there was a need to adopt more community-based service delivery models and overcome stigma to expand HIV prevention and treatment.

“Like in other parts of the world, the stigma is a major barrier to HIV services and working cooperation. So, we must do more in terms of developing and adopting our evidence-based interventions for key populations across the region.”

He also called for increased HIV self-testing, along with pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medication to prevent those at risk of HIV from being infected, to be expanded to the public sector.