Sabah AIDS Awareness Group Association

Sabah AIDS Awareness Group Association (SAGA), formerly Sandakan AIDS Support Group Association (Registry of Societies Malaysia registration no. PPM-001-12-12092008), was established in 2008 as the non-governmental organisation leading the community-based HIV/AIDS response in Sabah in partnership with the Ministry of Health Malaysia and Malaysian AIDS Council. It was founded by Dr. Zaiton Binti Yahaya, a Family Medicine Specialist at Klinik Kesihatan Sandakan.

SAGA provides health services related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections to people living with HIV and key affected populations in Sandakan. In response to the rise in sexual transmission of HIV, it has also expanded its scope of services to cover other vulnerable populations such as women, youths and adolescents. In recent time, SAGA has also intensified its effort to improve access to treatment for patients from the economically vulnerable group.

OBJECTIVES OF SAGA

1. To promote healthy lifestyle in the local community
2. To nurture the spirit of volunteerism and increased public involvements in community works.
3. To serve as a platform for key population to access HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services
4. To provide information and counselling on HIV/AIDS and related issues to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
5. To reach out to young people and their families with important information about HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health, particularly to adolescent and vulnerable youth.