KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) should be recognised as an important public health intervention aimed at reducing the risk of HIV infection, particularly among individuals who are at higher risk of contracting the virus, according to the Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC).
In a statement today, MAC explained that PrEP is a preventive medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to significantly lower their risk of becoming infected with HIV.
“PrEP is not a licence to engage in risky behaviour, nor is it a substitute for moral education or family values.
“Rather, it serves as an additional layer of protection that helps prevent HIV infection and reduces the long-term health and social impacts of the disease,” the statement said.
According to MAC, scientific studies have shown that when taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual transmission by approximately 99 per cent.
The council stressed that effective HIV prevention requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that includes health education, the strengthening of family institutions, moral and religious guidance, faithfulness in relationships, avoidance of high-risk behaviours, condom use, HIV testing, early treatment and community support.
MAC said the use of PrEP should also be accompanied by counselling services, regular HIV screening, sexual health check-ups and continuous health education to ensure that prevention efforts are implemented responsibly and effectively.
“This makes PrEP more than just a preventive medication. It also serves as an entry point to broader and more comprehensive healthcare services.
“MAC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that positive values remain a priority, including education on abstinence,” the statement added.
The council noted that harm reduction strategies are not intended to encourage certain behaviours but rather to minimise risks and adverse consequences where such risks continue to exist within society.
Malaysia has previously achieved significant success through harm reduction programmes such as the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), both of which have contributed substantially to reducing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.
MAC emphasised that public health measures and prevention initiatives should not be viewed as conflicting with religious principles, family values or moral education.
Instead, it said, these approaches can complement one another in preserving lives, preventing disease and reducing harm within the community.
“PrEP is not a licence to engage in risky behaviour, nor is it a substitute for moral education or family values.
“Rather, it serves as an additional layer of protection that helps prevent HIV infection and reduces the long-term health and social impacts of the disease,” the statement said.
According to MAC, scientific studies have shown that when taken consistently as prescribed, PrEP can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual transmission by approximately 99 per cent.
The council stressed that effective HIV prevention requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that includes health education, the strengthening of family institutions, moral and religious guidance, faithfulness in relationships, avoidance of high-risk behaviours, condom use, HIV testing, early treatment and community support.
MAC said the use of PrEP should also be accompanied by counselling services, regular HIV screening, sexual health check-ups and continuous health education to ensure that prevention efforts are implemented responsibly and effectively.
“This makes PrEP more than just a preventive medication. It also serves as an entry point to broader and more comprehensive healthcare services.
“MAC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that positive values remain a priority, including education on abstinence,” the statement added.
The council noted that harm reduction strategies are not intended to encourage certain behaviours but rather to minimise risks and adverse consequences where such risks continue to exist within society.
Malaysia has previously achieved significant success through harm reduction programmes such as the Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), both of which have contributed substantially to reducing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs.
MAC emphasised that public health measures and prevention initiatives should not be viewed as conflicting with religious principles, family values or moral education.
Instead, it said, these approaches can complement one another in preserving lives, preventing disease and reducing harm within the community.