1. Sexual Health Policy

The first policy states:

“We will publish the updated policy on sexual health as soon as possible. This policy should reflect the current realities of sexual and reproductive health and rights in all its diversity. Along with this, we will launch an action plan with clear goals, measures, and deadlines to hold the government accountable for the implementation of this policy.”

The sexual health policy is over 13 years old, based on decades-old data, and has not been updated at all since then. Now, to be fair, former Health Minister Chris Fearne did have to handle the COVID-19 pandemic during some of his time in the position, but he had ample time to update this important document.

Fearne promised that he would make these long-awaited updates at least twice.

The policy was initially intended to be announced back in 2020 but it was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, in October 2023, Fearne said it would be out for consultation “soon”.

Let’s hope that Abela’s ministry will push for the finalisation of this highly needed report.

2. Sex-ed

“Sexual education in schools needs to be updated to better reflect today’s realities. While promoting awareness about the use of contraceptives to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and the risks of unplanned pregnancy, we must also give importance to fertility and family planning, especially since many couples are choosing to have children later in life.”

The guidelines on Sexuality and Relationships Education in Maltese Schools – which steers the national syllabus – were last published in 2013, but the curriculum is updated frequently.

3. GU clinic

“The GU Clinic service at Mater Dei will be expanded and strengthened, while we spread more services in health centers to make them more accessible to those in need.”

Promises and progress of the GU clinic have been made. While the promises were vague and the development was somewhat prolonged, there has been significant progress.

4. Free contraception

“It is important to reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancy. Therefore, the contraceptive pill and the morning-after pill should start being distributed for free from pharmacies and health centers. In the same way, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs), including hormonal ones, should start being offered for free to all women as part of the health service.”

The contraceptive pill, IUDs, and the morning-after pill are not free nor subsidised. This was a promise that made headlines all across the island, wooing the public that praised the party for this policy proposal.

However, it is free for pigeons.

5. HIV rapid testing

“We will make it possible to start conducting rapid HIV testing for free and outside clinics.”

This promise was mostly fulfilled and the Health Ministry, as well as Fearne, deserve all due credit. This test is currently offered just at the GU clinic.

6. HPV vaccine for boys

“The vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV) will begin to be offered for free to boys as well to reduce the risk of cancer associated with this virus.”

Back in January, Fearne announced that this would be made available that same month… and that it was.

Which proposals would you like to see come to fruition?