‘Death was near’: Andrew Tan stands strong to fight HIV, AIDS

Andrew Tan, 65, remains unwavering in his efforts to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS at the grassroots level.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Thirty-one years ago, Andrew Tan faced the most challenging time of his life – he was diagnosed as HIV positive.

With little knowledge about the disease, he was influenced by societal stigma and believed his life was coming to an end.

His deep despair even led him to contemplate suicide, but he eventually realised that doing so would only hurt his loved ones.

The president of the Kuala Lumpur AIDS Support Services Society (KLASS) admitted that for a year, he kept his diagnosis a secret from his family. Eventually, when his immune system weakened further, he resigned himself to seeking medical help.

Tests at the University of Malaya Medical Centre revealed his CD4 cell count was only 149 – below the critical threshold of 200 – indicating that he had entered the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) stage.

“When I was diagnosed with AIDS, I felt like death was near,” he said. Still, upon being reassured by his doctors, he decided to start treatment.

Tan vividly remembers the first time he received HIV medication – costing RM2,000 a month – which had just been introduced in Malaysia at the time. Throughout his treatment, he isolated himself, continuing to fear the stigma.

Community healthcare workers conducting HIV screenings at the KLASS headquarters in Sentul.

“I also ‘disappeared’ to focus on my treatment,” he told FMT. “But my doctor was pleased with my progress. My CD4 count eventually returned to normal levels. Then, he suggested that I help others who were in the same situation.”

As an activist and member of KLASS since 2002, Tan actively reaches out to those in high-risk areas like the dark alleys of Chow Kit.

Beyond providing counselling, he assists community healthcare workers in conducting HIV screenings for high-risk individuals, including those who engage in unprotected casual sex or frequently change partners.

He further aims to raise awareness about HIV transmission among students. “We want them to know how to prevent infection and manage themselves if they are diagnosed. Back when I was diagnosed, there was no such support,” he shared.

“For those who test positive for HIV and are diagnosed with AIDS, we encourage them to continue taking their medication to recover and break the chain of infection.”

As of last year, more than 5,000 individuals have undergone screenings at KLASS’s office in Sentul. Those who test negative are advised to continue protecting themselves using condoms or by taking PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication.

Now, at age 65, Tan remains steadfast in his mission. Life, to him, is a “bonus” that should be fully made use of by helping the community.

“I have been given the chance to live for over three decades after being infected. I will not waste it,” he said with determination.

“As long as I am capable, I will continue to fight to break the chain of HIV and AIDS transmission for the wellbeing of society.” - FMT