Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) and the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) are thrilled to announce the Ballads of Hope, a charity concert dedicated to People Living with HIV.
The event is scheduled for 9 March 2024, starting at 7 pm. It will be hosted at the Experimental Theatre on the main campus of the University Malaya in Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.
Headlining the concert is the renowned musical powerhouse and Gegarvaganza-fame artist Nikki Palikat.
Widely recognized for effortlessly hitting high-octave notes, she has been previously dubbed “the Mariah Carey of Malaysia.”
This time, she generously contributes her extraordinary talent to support the HIV cause. Joining her on stage are the up-and-coming talent Ranisha Faizul and the harmonious voices of the KL Men’s Chorus.
The University Malaya Medical Society is organizing the” Ballads of Hope” as part of the ERASE initiative (Eradicate AIDS and Stigma for Equality).
The initiative’s primary goal is to raise funds for treatment and social welfare needs for low-income HIV-positive patients at the University Malaya Medical Centre.
Associate Professor Dr. Raja Iskandar Shah Raja Azwa, an Infectious Disease Consultant at the University of Malaya and President of the Malaysian AIDS Council, emphasized the impact of ERASE on the students.
“The dynamic team leading the ERASE initiative objectives are to raise awareness amongst the youth and their peers of the latest scientific developments in the field of HIV and to challenge myths and misperceptions about HIV.
“We need to ensure that HIV is still relevant today despite the successes of HIV treatment in keeping patients well and preventing transmission and that HIV continues to be framed as a health and not a moral issue.”
“This initiative serves not only as an educational platform but also extends its influence by mobilizing efforts to raise essential funds for the cause.
“ERASE goes beyond conventional learning methods, sensitizing university students to the harsh realities of stigma and discrimination faced by People Living with HIV.
“Additionally, it acts as a catalyst for reflection and self-improvement, fostering leadership qualities and cultivating a spirit of volunteerism among our future leaders.” added Dr Iskandar.
Admission to the Ballad of Hope is priced at RM 35 for UM students, RM 40 for other students, and RM 50 for general admission.
To purchase tickets, visit https://shorturl.at/gtvK8 or scan the ǪR code on the poster.
