Malaysia to distribute needles, condoms to curb HIV: report

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia is to distribute free needles and condoms to injecting drug users in a nationwide pilot project to curb the spread of HIV-AIDS, Malaysia's Health Minister Chua Soi Lek said.

The needles and condoms will be supplied from October through 20 government and private clinics who will distribute them to some 1,200 drug users.

"We have 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," Chua was quoted as saying by the official news agency Bernama.

The minister said 61,486 people were infected with HIV as of September last year, 75 percent of whom are intravenous drug users.

The announcement...