The Coalition of NGOs, including Checkpoint Malta, HIV Malta, MGRM, Moviment Graffitti, LGBTI+ Gozo, ARC – Allied Rainbow Communities, and aditus, has welcomed the Government’s announcement to introduce free PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medications in Malta.

These medications, used to prevent HIV transmission before and after sexual activity, represent a vital step forward in addressing Malta’s high HIV diagnosis rates, which are among the highest in the EU.

The coalition emphasised that to be truly effective in curbing the spread of HIV, PrEP and PEP must be made accessible to all who need them, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status.

A petition by Checkpoint Malta advocating for this change has already garnered 590 signatures, demonstrating strong public support.

On 1st December, the coalition organised Malta’s first-ever World AIDS Day rally, which highlighted widespread public demand for better sexual health measures and a reduction in HIV-related stigma.

The coalition also called on the Government to extend free HIV treatment to all individuals residing in Malta, regardless of immigration status.

They urged policymakers to align with the British healthcare model, which Malta’s system claims to emulate, to ensure equitable access to care. By providing HIV treatment to everyone, individuals can achieve undetectable viral loads, rendering their HIV untransmittable and significantly reducing ongoing transmission.

Additionally, the coalition advocates for the implementation of opt-out HIV testing for hospital admissions and individuals requiring blood tests, another cornerstone of the British system.

Scaling up testing would enable early diagnosis and treatment, allowing individuals to live long, healthy lives and achieve viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy.

What do you make of this?