Asia:
Malaysia
to
Provide
Needles,
Condoms
for
Hard
Drug
Users
6/24/05
Malaysia hangs drug traffickers, but when it comes to preventing the spread of HIV, the Malaysian government doesn't mind providing needles and condoms for injection drug users. In repeated announcements this month, the Health Ministry has confirmed that it will begin a six-month pilot program in October providing needles and condoms to some 1,200 registered addicts who are receiving methadone maintenance. According to the Health Ministry, Malaysia (pop. 22 million) has more than 61,000 people with HIV infections, with 9,000 more having AIDS. Health Minister Dr. Chua Soi Lek told a June 2 press conference more than 75% of all Malaysian HIV cases were related to injection drug use. "We've to consider the needle exchange approach. We are providing them the needles so that they will not share needles. In many countries, the results are good in reducing HIV infection rate," he told reporters. "The risk of being infected with HIV among those sharing needles is seven times higher than those not sharing needles," he said. At that press conference, Dr. Chua said only that the government was "seriously considering" the pilot program, citing good results from needle access programs in Europe and expressing concern that moralistic views not impede the measure. "Don't exploit the plan for political mileage. It has nothing to do with politics but for the interests of HIV sufferers and to protect Malaysia's image. We do not want Malaysia to be known as a developed nation but with the highest number of HIV carriers in Asia," he added. But by last weekend, the government had moved from "serious consideration" to the first steps of implementation. According to a Saturday report from the Malaysian News Agency, the Health Ministry has already drafted rules and regulations for the pilot program to get underway. Persons wishing to participate in the program must sign up with the Health Ministry and agree to follow the ministry's program, and they must get a medical exam to test for diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. "This is a major step for Malaysia, said Adeeba Kamarulzamam, acting head of the Malaysian AIDS Council. "There will be negative reaction from the community and the public, but I think our job will be to explain misconceptions and misunderstandings," she told Agence-France Press. Earlier this month, China announced plans for needle exchanges. Now Malaysia is moving in the same harm reduction direction. If only it could happen in New Jersey.
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