Pharmacists’ association backs calls to provide HIV drug for all

Pharmacists’ association backs calls to provide HIV drug for all

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society says all individuals have the right to access healthcare and preventative medicine.

PrEP is an effective way of reducing the risk of acquiring HIV, says the Malaysian Pharmacists Society.
PETALING JAYA:
HIV prevention can only be done through non-religious intervention and prevention programmes, says the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) in supporting the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by homosexuals.

MPS president Amrahi Buang said that despite religious differences and beliefs, everyone has the right to healthcare and preventative medicine.

“We understand that different religions may have varying views on the use of PrEP. However, the reality is that HIV requires a non-religious intervention and prevention programme. MPS supports the health ministry’s decision on PrEP and encourages Malaysians to do the same.

“MPS is committed to promoting the health and well-being of all Malaysians and we believe that PrEP is an important tool in the fight against HIV,” he said.

Amrahi’s response comes in light of the Selangor mufti department’s opposition to the dispensing of the drug to those who “practise a homosexual lifestyle”, saying it would be a form of complicity in sin.

He said the use of PrEP is an effective way to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV by 99%.

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