Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

In Muslim-majority Malaysia, implementing public health initiatives like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) to prevent HIV infection required more than just medical planning. It demanded thoughtful consideration, the involvement of religious leaders, and careful communication to align with Islamic principles. As Malaysia integrates PrEP into its primary healthcare system, it’s setting a precedent that could serve as a model for other Muslim-majority countries. Tonight on #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Anita Suleiman, President of the College of Public Health Medicine at the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia. She’s also the former Director of the Disease Control Division at the Ministry of Health, and has been widely credited as the architect of Malaysia’s PrEP programme.

The AMM understood the people's desire to spend time with relatives during the Raya holidays but in the face of this outbreak, social distancing had to continue until a new vaccine was discovered.