Pertubuhan Kesihatan dan Kebajikan UMUM Malaysia (PKKUM) is a drop-in centre for HIV-positive women which has been providing shelter and support since 2013.

It was from death that PKKUM was born.

Almost 14 years ago, founder Elisha Kor Krishnan, then a volunteer at Rumah Wake – also a support organisation for people with HIV – was accompanying a client called Nora to the hospital for treatment when Elisha was hit by the shock and reality of death.

“I was telling Nora to hang in there because we were about to see the doctor. I lifted her hand and she responded by holding my hand – and passed away just like that,” Elisha told The Malaysian Insight.

She said it was her first experience seeing people die, and it left a deep impression on her.

And so the former architectural designer set out to create a safe space for women with HIV to get a decent shower and a bed, as well as advice on how to care for themselves.

From its humble beginnings, PKKUM today has 10 beds and provides meals during breakfast, lunch and tea time. PKKUM also distributes around 2,000 condoms every month to high-risk people through their outreach programmes at places like Petaling Street, Jalan Chow Kit or Jalan Ipoh.

More: http://bit.ly/2qp7X3C

Website: www.themalaysianinsight.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themalaysianinsight/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/msianinsight/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/msianinsight/