Minister: Data shows anti-HIV drug programme reduced related diseases

PARLIAMENT | Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has revealed data to support the government’s decision to expand the controversial pilot programme dispensing free HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to 30 health clinics next year.

The pilot programme was heavily opposed by a group of Muslim healthcare professionals, who expressed concern that providing free PrEP to those who practise “free sex” and homosexual sex may force Muslim doctors to act against their religious beliefs.