SUHAKAM’s REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS COMMITTEE ON ELIMINATION OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN 3.6.3 The Commission also views positively the Government’s effort in providing free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination for women aged 18 and above in 2012 and Form One (first year of secondary school) students in 2010 to protect women and girls against cervical cancer. 3.6.4 The Commission further welcomes the introduction of a National Strategic Plan on HIV and AIDS (2011-2015) which is aimed at, inter alia, preventing and reducing the risk and spreading of HIV infection, improving the quality of life of people living with HIV, and reducing the social and economic impact resulting from HIV and AIDS on the individual, family and society.10 It is recognised that women, especially the young ones, are in the high-risk group in terms of vulnerability to AIDS.11 More women are affected by HIV/AIDS due to the lack of exposure and knowledge on the disease and some due to their spouses’ promiscuous activities. In relation thereto, the Commission strongly calls on the Government to put more effort towards providing information on AIDS to raise public awareness and educating the public on the prevention of AIDS, which in turn would reduce the stigma against the AIDS patients especially against women and girls. 3.6.5 The Government has introduced a national health plan entitled “Country Health Plan: 10th Malaysia Plan 2011-2015” which details the health plan in Malaysia focusing on health services delivery, governance and financing, health awareness and healthy lifestyle and empowerment of the individual and community to be responsible for their own health including women. While the Commission welcomes the plan, it is hoped that the plan would not remain good on paper only. In this regard, the Commission urges the Government to place equal, if not more, emphasis on realising the plan in particular in that ensuring the healthcare is accessible and within the reach of all regardless of gender or sexual orientation. 10 Ministry of Health, 2011, Malaysia National Plan on HIV and AIDS 2011-2015, p. 1. Human Rights Commission of Malaysia. Chapter 5 Women and Healthcare. SUHAKAM’s Report on the Status of Women’s Rights in Malaysia. p.35. 11 6