The Brunei health authorities on Sunday urged all citizens to take necessary actions to achieve the ultimate goal of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

The Brunei Ministry of Health made the appeal on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2013 which falls on Sunday.

Despite the low prevalence of HIV in the country, Brunei continues to be affected and has recorded 10 new, local HIV cases this year so far with three recorded deaths, the ministry said in a statement.

Deaths and sickness related to HIV are avoidable, provided that patients are diagnosed early in order to initiate early treatment and that they adhere to their scheduled appointments and medications as directed by their doctor, the ministry said.

In almost all local cases, HIV infection was acquired through unsafe sexual practices. Out of the 18 new infections recorded in 2011 and 2012, two-thirds were recorded in men who have had same- gendered relations. Despite this, the ministry warned that HIV infections continue to be transmitted through heterosexual relations.

The risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can be significantly reduced through abstinence and being faithful to one's spouse. It is therefore important that people continue to adhere to Islamic practices and cultural values, said the ministry.

Between 2011-2015, World AIDS Day has the theme: "Getting to zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS- related deaths." Achievement of the three zeroes is important in the attainment of the 6th Millennium Development Goal which includes combating HIV/AIDS, it noted.

According to 2012 figures released by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) an estimated 2.3 million were newly infected with 1.6 million deaths globally. There are now an estimated 35.3 million people living with HIV. Evidence has proven that early and effective antiretroviral treatment for persons living with HIV not only prolongs life and keeps them healthy, but is also effective in reducing the likelihood of transmission to others. This further highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce not only the mortality and morbidity caused by HIV infection but also in limiting transmission.