PrEP meds not to encourage unnatural sex, says deputy health minister

The health ministry today said that its provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to homosexual couples and those exposed to the risk of HIV infection is not intended to encourage unnatural sexual activities. 

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Suani said it was instead an additional method after cases of substance abuse became an obstacle to preventive advocacy measures, condom use and risk reduction. 

He said the ministry had already held engagement sessions with religous authorities including the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

"Of course we take into account the views of other religions as well," he added. 

"I am of the opinion that the ministry is holding the PrEP programme to reduce the rate of infection, not to encourage unnatural sexual activities." 

Lukanisman was responding to an additional question from Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) in the Dewan Rakyat. 

Yunus said the provision of PrEP medication to those who practise unnatural sex and are HIV negative did not appear preventive of such activities. 

The Selangor Mufti Department previously said that the use of the drug by homosexual couples was controversial as it helped them continue in acts prohibited by Islam. 

Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii meanwhile said the provision of the drug did not mean that the government was dropping its advocacy and prevention efforts. 

Lukanisman, the MP for Sibuti, said that PrEP medication was not to treat or encourage unnatural sexual activites, but a step towards reducing the spread of HIV. 

"The PrEP method reduce the spread of HIV and concerns about those who contract HIV as early as 18 years of age," he said. 

"Prevention alone is not enough." 

He said data from the health ministry showed that more than 77% of new HIV cases each year involve those aged 20 to 39. 

Of these, more than 90% are male. 

"This shows that exposure to HIV infection begins even at schoolgoing age," he said.  

"Almost all of the cases – 97% – are contracted through sexual relations." 

PrEP medication goes for RM90 to RM120 per bottle at private clinics.