MOH and the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) jointly state that decisions in “all” health and religious issues must take into account scientific data and religious opinion.
Giving groups at highest risk of HIV access to the most effective preventive medication would be in line with Malaysia's commitment to universal health coverage, where all have equal access to health care and that no one should be left behind, says MMA.
The Selangor Mufti Department's advisory on PrEP is misinformed and likely misleading. Denying access to PrEP – which is 99% effective in preventing HIV infection – is bad medicine, poor practice, and has no basis in public health, says the Galen Centre.
2022 saw major health issues like medicine shortages, the tobacco bill, and MySejahtera, while chronic problems like overcrowded emergency departments, junior doctor bullying, and NCDs remain unresolved. Health care reform is a key question entering 2023.
Harm Reduction International calls for tailored interventions, as traditional harm reduction services are often not appropriate for those who engage in chemsex (using drugs to enhance sex).
PrEP is 99% effective in preventing HIV infection via sexual contact and 74% effective in reducing HIV transmission via injection drug use, say MAF, MAC, and MASHM.
PrEP will require men who have sex with men to take the medication daily. Taxpayers' money will be channelled to enable high-risk behaviour to continue, which can be prevented if they're given the right motivation from the aspects of health and morality.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an oral medicine taken to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use, will be dispensed at public health clinics in Selangor, Klang Valley, Johor, Penang, and Sabah.