Health Ministry won’t deny PrEP, medicine to prevent HIV, to at-risk groups including homosexual couples
KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 — The Health Ministry will not deny any group that is at risk of contracting HIV from receiving the medication that can curb its infection called Pre-Exposure prophylaxis, better known as PrEP.
Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni today said this includes homosexual couples, adding that it is better to dispense the medication since it can prevent HIV from spreading in Malaysia.
“Although the Selangor Mufti Department has issued their advisory, we at the Health Ministry are currently conducting engagement sessions.
“I don’t see that we are able to deny this risk group from receiving PrEP and I think it’s better to prevent the wide-spread of the HIV infection among their partner, community and their contacts.
“I appeal that we constantly conduct engagement sessions, and I will look at existing pilot projects whether they should be contributed or if there is a way forward in this type of lifestyle among men,” Lukanisman said during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to Kuantan MP Wan Razali Wan Nor from Perikatan Nasional who wanted to know the Health Ministry’s stand on the Selangor Mufti Department’s prohibition on homosexuals receiving PrEP.
Lukanisman said 90 per cent of HIV infections in Malaysia are spread by men to other men.
