More than 2000 individuals have received the PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) drug as part of the Health Ministry’s pilot programme aimed at reducing the risk of HIV infections, according to Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the Health Minister. As of September 30, a total of 2714 patients have been given the drug. The use of PrEP has resulted in a decline in syphilis infection rates from 11% to less than 1% and a reduction in the percentage of clients not using condoms from 6.3% to 3.9%. Additionally, the percentage of clients with multiple sexual partners decreased from 44.5% to 36.1%. Out of the program participants, only three individuals or 0.11% tested positive for HIV due to non-compliance with the drug requirements.
Dr Zaliha stated that this rate is significantly lower than other countries that implemented PrEP earlier, which experienced HIV positive rates of 3-4%. Initial findings show that the majority of patients in the programme have complied with the requirements. The PrEP programme has been expanded to 21 health clinics from 18 clinics and will further expand to 30 more health clinics next year. These statements were in response to a question posed by Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi regarding the status and expansion of the pilot programme.
In a supplementary question, Ahmad Yunus asked about the financial impacts after the end of the pilot programme. He also inquired about the government’s stance on the use of PrEP, which has sparked a debate among Muslim doctors, particularly those involved in the programme.
Dr Zaliha explained that the drug costs about RM521,000 and is sponsored by the Malaysian Aids Council for the pilot programme. She emphasized that the government’s stance is to treat everyone without assigning blame. Anyone with a risk of HIV will be treated if they voluntarily visit any of their facilities. Dr Zaliha mentioned that the efficacy of the programme has been observed during the initial stages.
On the topic of abstinence, she highlighted that the number of clients with multiple sexual partners has decreased among PrEP users in the programme. The ultimate goal is to promote abstinence and lead a non-risky lifestyle, she added. Participants come to healthcare facilities voluntarily, and religious leaders also play a role in supporting these patients.
The one-year PrEPGov2023 programme has been conducted at 18 health clinics under the Health Ministry since January 2023. Dr Zaliha stated that the data from the study will be analyzed in early 2024 to determine the direct and indirect impacts of the drug on preventing HIV and high-risk behavior.
In January, the Selangor mufti department issued an advisory in response to a query, stating that administering the drug to homosexuals is “prohibited” as it is seen as supporting sinful activities.
