The discussion of early HIV testing in Malta is still seen as an awkward topic to bring up. Earlier this month Clayton Mercieca, Community Manger at the Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) and LGBTQ spokesperson, took matters into his own hands and posted an educational video of him taking HIV Self-Testing Kit.
Speaking to The Malta Independent Mercieca said the stigma of discussing HIV is still an issue in Malta. Many of those who are HIV positive are too scared to speak out, in fear of being labelled or judged.
Self-testing kits
‘If I wasn’t going to take the test, who would?’ Even though Mercieca is HIV negative, the purpose of the video was to show the public how to use a self-testing kit and to reflect on the importance of education and sensibility towards the topic. He said that pharmacists should be more sensible when people are requesting the self-testing kit. When Mercieca had asked for this kit, the pharmacist replied loudly ‘for HIV?’ in a pharmacy which was full of customers. He said that it is already difficult for people to get tested, the last thing they need is for others within the pharmacy to speculate and gossip. Mercieca believes that NGO’s such as MGRM (Malta Gay Rights Movement) and ARC should have their own supply which they could distribute;. This makes it easier for those who cannot pluck the courage to visit a pharmacy.
Besides bringing awareness of the self-testing kit, he said that there is a lack of education with regards to sexual diseases and the procedure of prep and pep. HIV in general doesn’t discriminate, and everyone, regardless of sexual orientation should test themselves. Mercieca and ARC have reached out to the Health Promotion and Diseases Prevention Services, and that there needs to be more focus on HIV, which unlike other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) which can be treated, is a life-long condition and long term care is costly. He said that there needs to be more investment in better accessibility and awareness, therefore not only saving lives but saving the Government money. He goes on to say that studies have shown in cities like London and Amsterdam, there is a drop of STDs and HIV cases, whilst Malta is seeing the opposite. Mercieca said that the number of new cases is higher than that of last year.
Education to stop stigma of testing
Lack of education and discussion on sexual health is to blame for the rise of stigma of HIV. Mercieca added that the perception is that Maltese people are having unprotected sex with foreigners but the reality is completely different. It is about time that this subject is discussed openly in public, especially since now more youths are open about their sexuality. Mercieca believes that such issues such as LGBTQI and STDs should be discussed at an early stage in schools; therefore awareness is developed from a younger age. He said that numerous public broadcasters had approached Mercieca to ask those people with HIV to open up and discuss, but this won’t happen anytime soon if there is not a change in the stigma towards HIV and testing.
Mercieca said that right now as an individual and activists he is only scratching the surface of such topics, hoping that others will continue the wave of awareness. He has been invited to Sixth forms such as Junior College and MCAST to discuss LGBTQI issues and testing, but due to the lack of resources and time, he believes that there is still a long way to go. For now ARC continue to provide information and aid to those who seek it and that he hopes the video will inform others regarding self-testing , especially to those who were unaware of the kit itself.