Materia Medica Malaysiana

Prickly issues that must be addressed

PETALING JAYA: While it is a bold move by the Government to consider a needle exchange programme and condom distribution, proper implementation is vital to its success, said Malaysian AIDS Council president Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.
“We commend the bold step but there is a need to put everything in place including public education or they will not understand what it is for. It will make a huge difference if the Government can do it.
“Having methadone is already a big step. If implemented properly, harm reduction can work,” she said yesterday when asked to comment on Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek’s statement that the Government was seriously considering the two methods under its harm reduction programme.
Pink Triangle Foundation said the Government should step up education programmes on HIV/AIDS at the same time.
Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia administration manager Abdullah Abdul Ghani said the proposals were against Pengasih’s policy of total abstinence in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.
“There may be pros and cons but if the public understands that the Government’s intention is to reduce the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases, it will not be a problem.”
Perak Mufti Datuk Harussani Zakaria voiced his objection.
“I disagree with free condom distribution except to married couples as it will be condoning illicit sex and against the religion,” he said.
Pemadam vice-president Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Government should tread carefully.
“While it will certainly help in arresting the spread of HIV/AIDS, we cannot be seen to be encouraging drug use or promiscuity.”