Where's our Prep?

According to WHO, 40.8 million people affected with HIV and AIDS worldwide. Based on the 2022 data from the Malaysian Ministry of Health it is estimated about 70000 people living with the disease . Only 68% of them on the free Anti Retroviral Treatment and for those on treatment 87% achieved viral suppression. MSM reported as the highest mode of transmission followed by heterosexual and IVDU.

Bear in mind of those unaware of their status who never had checked for HIV.

Stigma and discrimination remains as the biggest challenge to managing the endemic.

Prevention is always better than treatment.

While HIV is no longer a death sentence and now considered as chronic disease with effective treatment, the huge stigma and discrimination for those living with HIV/AIDS warrant effective preventive measures in place.

WHO recommended Tenofavir based oral Prep in 2015.

Prep is highly effective HIV prophylaxis widely available for HIV negative gay men in the developed countries as part of successful public health strategy.

For on demand prep, treating as low as 18 people will prevent HIV infection.

A generic prep will cost around RM 150 to 300 per month .

While am not sexually active, I do care about others.

Prep should be made available for free here in Malaysia.

It is our duty and responsibility to protect the high risk the vulnerable group.

There are many many gay in Malaysia despite the laughable 1% of the population reported by Jakim in 2018.

Just look all around you and don’t forget the many closeted one.

Gay are not just the typical flamboyant feminine one .

Many are high achievers professional contributing significantly to the society.

Prep should never be viewed as gay agenda and encouragement to gay sex.

Regardless of whether there is access to prep or not people will continue to have sex.

It is very wrong to let people risking their health and others knowing well there is effective proven preventive medicine available.

Education and condom alone won’t be enough.

We reduce HIV transmission significantly by ensuring people with HIV receiving their treatment and by making prep available to the public.

Knowing one' status and regular testing also equally important.

If you love eggplants and donuts it’s your basic duty to the community to know your status.

Standard ELISA and rapid HIV test will cost as low as RM 60 and RM 50 each.

As a trial , consider offering prep to gay men in the high risk cities such as KL and Penang.

Lets the health experts do their jobs .

To our leaders and ministry of health forget the politic and religious nonsense , do the right thing and deliver the very best to our people.