It was in 1983 that scientists first discovered the HIV virus, after a series of cases of pneumonia, cancer and other illnesses which were not common for people with healthy immune systems. The majority of the cases involved men who had been involved in sexual relations with other men.

After this discovery, the HIV virus was the microscopic monster on everyone’s lips. The late eighties and early nineties were probably the boom for AIDS in the Western world. Due to a lack of information and treatment, a lot of those who had contracted the HIV virus at the time ended up developing AIDS, which was usually fatal.

The death of world-known artists following AIDS complications seemed to have no end. One of the first such victims was actor Rock Hudson, whose death in 1985 led to his friend and co-actress Elizabeth Taylor’s lifelong campaign for AIDS research. Hudson was quickly followed to the grave by many others, including Queen’s frontman; Freddie Mercury.

Countless awareness campaigns along the years reduced the amount of people contracting the virus, while research developed medications which allow a person with HIV to lead a productive life with a near normal lifespan. The HIV monster was thus slowly and systematically tamed, even if not defeated.

It is therefore worrisome to witness once again a surge in HIV cases. Figures for HIV cases in Malta which were published following a question I made in Parliament show that 2015 has seen the highest number of new HIV cases in the past eleven years. The figures also show an almost steady increase in cases since 2010.

Malta is not alone in this incline. Since 2005 a lot of European countries have registered a steady increase in HIV cases. Eastern Europe, mainly Russia, accounts for more than half of the increase, with HIV being transmitted mostly through heterosexual relations.

In Western Europe, while there has been an overall decline, there has also been a surge of HIV transmissions through men in homosexual relations. This is also consistent with trends in Malta. Data published in Parliament shows that while the amount of females contracting HIV has varied minimally since 2004, the amount of men has increased exponentially.

Moreover, while up until 2012 heterosexuals formed the majority of HIV cases in men, since 2013 the trend has been reversed, and homosexual males are now leading HIV cases among males in a ratio of almost 4:1. This year there were 45 new cases of HIV infected males until October. 37 of the 45 had sexual relations with other men. 

So what is leading to this increase? There are many possible factors, not all of which might necessarily apply to Malta. In some Western countries, the United States in particular, certain people are striving to contract HIV in order to receive the state benefits associated with the condition. This trend is most common among drug users and homeless persons. Some even desist from taking treatments so that their condition worsens and they will be entitled to even more benefits.

Another phenomenon afflicting Western Europe is commonly referred to as ‘bug-chasing’, and is mostly prevalent among gay men. For some, contracting the HIV virus has become desirable, because in their minds it constitutes a special status and makes them feel part of a limited circle. Individuals who do not have HIV therefore look for HIV positive partners in a bid to contract the virus.

Technology might also be a culprit. Websites and applications through which one can find a partner for casual sex might be adding to the spread of HIV. This was mentioned as a possible culprit for the increase in HIV cases in Malta. The use of such resources, where an individual knows nothing about his sexual partner, should be strongly discouraged.

Presently there are 260 people receiving treatment for HIV at Mater Dei. For each patient the monthly treatment costs around €800 to €1000. Although the treatment available for HIV, especially when commenced in its early stages, allows one to lead an almost normal life, one should not forget that there are other STDs which might be fatal, such as Hepatitis C and Syphilis.

Without resorting to stigmatisation or scaremongering, I believe that we need to give a new lease of life to educational campaigns on safe sex. These campaigns should include the use of condoms, the promotion of regular blood testing of high risk people, the avoidance of promiscuity in favour of a stable partner, and information on the symptoms and consequences currently associated with STDs.

 

Dr Etienne Grech, Labour MP