Mangosteen: HIV/AIDS in Malaysia

Documentary, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Partners: Malaysian AIDS Council; REACH LA, an HIV/AIDS education organization; and U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The percentage of new HIV/AIDS cases in Malaysia that occur among women has increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 16.4% in 2007. In addition, most HIV-positive women in the country contract the virus from their husbands.

Synopsis:

Mangosteen follows three female activists as they fight to get HIV/AIDS recognized as a growing and serious problem by the Malaysian population and government. We explore the effects on women, children, families, the economy, and culture.

Reflections:

We were immersed in one of the most beautiful countries in Asia and were humbled by the dedicated and unselfish work of the activists. We met women from all walks of life who have been affected by HIV/AIDS – college educated professionals, sex workers, mothers and one woman who has become a mother to orphaned HIV/AIDS children. Our work in Malaysia was a reminder that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate and fortified our commitment to work on projects that can inspire others to be more responsible about their life choices and/or to get more involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Malaysian AIDS Council: www.mac.org.my
REACH LA: www.reachla.org