Access to a variety of PrEP methods allows women to choose what best suits them, depending on their context and where they are in their reproductive lifespan.
Our approach to the HIV/ AIDS crisis should prioritise public health outcomes rather than causing the persecution and further marginalisation of communities already on the fringes of society.
In a progressive statement, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar tells Parliament that LGBT Malaysians cannot be denied their fundamental human rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, adding that Jakim has worked with MOH on HIV programmes.
Malaysia's DCA has approved Apretude (cabotegravir) for high-risk groups after an Asean joint assessment, the first and only treatment by injection for HIV pre-exposure prevention. Cabotegravir only has to be taken every 2 months, unlike daily PrEP pills.
Malaysia aims to achieve the 95-95-95 targets to end AIDS, but stigma makes it difficult. “I think this is the way to go for those who suffer from heavy internal stigmatisation. Do it as digitally as possible or virtually as possible.” – @ProfAdeeba
The DOC2US Virtual Clinic for HIV/ STDs provides free virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication delivery every Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm.
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman clarifies his remarks in Parliament, tweeting today that the PrEP pilot programme will continue and even be expanded. He reiterates that groups at risk cannot be prevented from receiving the HIV prevention drug.
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman tells Parliament that MOH will review its pilot programme on HIV prevention drug PrEP – "whether it should be continued" or to have "a way forward" to prevent HIV infection related to the "lifestyle" of gay men.