Across the world, countries are working to slow down the spread of HIV/AIDS through several methods. In Brunei, a small country in Southeast Asia, the goal for the HIV/AIDS epidemic is to end it by 2030. According to the International AIDS Society (IAS), since the country reported its first confirmed HIV case in 1986, the number of cases has remained relatively low.

Yet, new cases of infection have continued to emerge slowly. As of 2020, a total of 289 Bruneians and permanent residents had been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Brunei. Of that total number, 75% are still living with HIV.

Barriers: Stigma and Discrimination

Brunei continues to face stigma and discrimination, which creates barriers for vulnerable communities seeking opportunities and support. These challenges exist among youth with disabilities (YWDs), who often face difficulties entering the workforce due to prejudice and misconceptions about their abilities. These barriers can prevent YWDs from becoming financially independent and fully participating in society.

A similar pattern of exclusion affects people living with HIV/AIDS in Brunei. Discrimination and homophobia can discourage individuals from seeking HIV testing, treatment and support services. For example, under the Infectious Diseases Act, which Brunei introduced in 2003, people diagnosed with HIV face legal restrictions related to transmission and disclosure. HIV advocates argue that these policies may increase stigma and create fear, making individuals less likely to access health care.

Brunei’s HIV/AIDS Response: Access and Awareness

However, HIV/AIDS in Brunei is supported by the healthcare system and local community organizations that work to address barriers faced by vulnerable populations, including marginalized youth affected by social and economic challenges. These efforts focus on increasing awareness, encouraging HIV testing, reducing stigma, and improving access to healthcare. Here are three facts about Brunei’s response to HIV.

1. Access to HIV Testing

In 2020, Brunei expanded access to rapid HIV testing by offering free screenings at seven private clinics. The partnering clinics are: Ammaan Medical Clinic, C.Y. Lim Clinic, Dr. Prema Clinic, Riverview Medical Clinic, Vitaliv Health and Wellness Clinic, Wholistica Clinic, Wellness and Panaga Health Center.

The rapid HIV testing provides results within 15 to 20 minutes. Then, the early diagnosis allows people living with HIV to seek support services at an early stage. The initiative was developed in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, which highlighted the importance of creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces for testing while combining medical services with HIV education and awareness programs. In addition, the country conducts approximately 200,000 medical screenings each year, including HIV tests for pregnant women and foreign workers.

2. Self-Testing

The Ministry of Health has approved access to HIV self-test kits. Along with it, institutions like Panaga Health (PH) provide access to these self-test kits at their facility, so anyone and their partners can simply go over the counter at PH and purchase them. The self-test allows individuals to conduct an HIV test in the privacy of their homes, with the results available in about 20 minutes. Also, the self-test does not include needles or blood, only saliva.

PH is a healthcare facility that provides a range of medical services, including primary healthcare, dental care, emergency services and health protection programs. In 2022, PH expanded its services to a wider community; it only supported workers in the oil and gas industry. By increasing access to confidential testing, PH helps reduce fear of discrimination, reduce barriers to care and connect individuals with treatment when needed.

3. Youth Education

In addition to expanding access to testing and treatment, Brunei has also focused on HIV education among younger generations. The HIV Awareness Programme for Peers and Youths (H.A.P.P.Y), which is run by Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAIDS Council), is a youth-focused initiative that teaches students about HIV transmission, prevention and sexual health. 

In 2026, the program reached around 70 students at Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College, where participants learned about how HIV spreads, discussed common misconceptions and explored ways to make informed decisions about their health. In addition, the session emphasized the importance of setting healthy boundaries, understanding sexually transmitted infections and sharing accurate information with peers and families.

Through interactive activities and locally educational materials, H.A.P.P.Y aims to reduce misinformation and encourage young people to become advocates for HIV awareness in their communities.

Addressing HIV/AIDS Conclusion

HIV/AIDS in Brunei has remained relatively low due to the country’s effort in prevention, testing and treatment programs. Continued investment in inclusive health services and public awareness will be essential for Brunei to reach its goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030. Also, by addressing these barriers, Brunei’s HIV response helps prevent health challenges from creating further social and economic disadvantages for vulnerable communities. 

– Daniela Escobar

Daniela is based in Huntington Station, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr