Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman public relations students organized Obs’HIV, a one-day HIV awareness campaign at the Kampar campus on March 31, 2026, drawing over 350 youth participants.
The event aimed to combat HIV misconceptions and stigma through expert talks, exhibitions and an art competition, organized as part of the students’ final-year project.
Collaborating partners included PT Foundation, Ipoh Partners Association, and Perak PERKASIH, combining educational, creative, and interactive elements to improve public understanding and reduce discrimination.
Mohamad Redzuan from Ipoh Partners Association emphasized preventive measures such as regular health check-ups, avoiding shared needles, and early prophylaxis, noting that although antiretroviral drugs are not free for life in Malaysia, first-time treatment is provided at no cost to encourage early intervention.
Putri Ezazirah of Perak PERKASIH shared lived experiences of people living with HIV, stating that despite effective treatment enabling near-normal lives, social discrimination persists from the moment treatment begins, making family support crucial.
She clarified that the campaign’s goal is not to encourage risky behavior but to build awareness so early understanding and preparation can prevent transmission and reduce stigma rooted in misunderstanding.
The exhibition area used layered visual art, knowledge displays, and interactive games to help attendees grasp HIV transmission routes, prevention methods, and treatment resources from multiple perspectives.
Visual installations highlighted hidden discrimination faced by people living with HIV, while features like “Free Hugs” and “Voice of Change” encouraged engagement and empathy.
PT Foundation brings national expertise to campus HIV education
PT Foundation, founded in 1987 as Pink Triangle Sdn Bhd, is Malaysia’s largest community-based HIV/AIDS organization, having served over 100,000 people and co-founded the Malaysian AIDS Council.
The organization provides education, prevention, care, support, sexual health, and empowerment programs for vulnerable groups including drug users, sex workers, transgender individuals, men who have sex with men, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
PT Foundation offers volunteer, internship, and training opportunities in fields such as counseling, communications, design, IT, and fundraising, with internships lasting between three months and one year.
Student-led initiative reflects growing youth role in public health advocacy
The Obs’HIV campaign demonstrates how university public relations students are translating academic training into real-world health communication efforts targeting peer audiences.
By addressing HIV stigma through creative outreach, the initiative fills gaps left by conventional public health messaging, particularly among young adults who may distrust formal institutions.
Such student-driven models could be replicated in other campuses to sustain dialogue on sexually transmitted infections and mental health, especially where government-led campaigns face reach limitations.
What was the main goal of the Obs’HIV campaign?
The main goal was to combat HIV misconceptions and stigma by educating young adults about risks, preventive measures, and treatment realities while promoting inclusivity.
Who supported the Obs’HIV event at UTAR Kampar Campus?
The event was co-organized by PT Foundation, Ipoh Partners Association, and Perak PERKASIH, with expert speakers from the latter two organizations.