Malta's LGBTIQ Rights Movement has launched a new HIV Malta campaign and website with the aim to de-stigmatise HIV and start a conversation regarding HIV with easily accessible information.

The website provides information on HIV and promotes the importance of mental wellbeing and ensures that there is an on-going commitment to make newly developed HIV medication available.

"Research endorsed by WHO and the CDC shows that effective treatment suppresses the viral load making the virus undetectable and therefore untransmittable. This can only be achieved through rapid and unobstructed access to modern medicine and treatment, with the best results seen in those countries where treatment has been reduced from 5-6 a day to a single tablet a day," the statement read.

Currently, the single-tablet treatment regimen is not available in Malta and MGRM remains in the dark with respect to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for improved treatment launched in February 2019, it said. "To date, there has been no consultation with stakeholders or MGRM. It also unclear whether additional services listed in the RFP would eventually lead to partial or total privatisation of HIV-related care which is very much a public matter. Questions on whether this would require sharing of data also remained unanswered."

Whilst Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) pill is available on the market, it is not affordable for most members of society, therefore making it inaccessible to those would mostly benefit from it. MGRM states that whilst the availability of PrEP on the market is a step forward, buying the pill in Malta costs €57 whilst purchasing it online is around half the price.

"Even more shockingly, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), an emergency treatment administered after possible exposure to HIV, provided solely at Mater Dei, comes at EUR 600 notwithstanding the continuous and repeated appeals to make it free. Individuals who are unable to afford paying this unreasonable price are turned away. This irresponsible approach to preventative treatment comes at the expense of avoidable HIV diagnosis, and the financial cost of a lifetime of care and treatment."

MGRM will be announcing several projects, one being a new messaging campaign on dating apps. HIV Malta aims to work in hand with other NGOs and stakeholders, including Preping Malta, Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) and Checkpoint Malta.

"Furthermore, the Rainbow Support Service which is now in its sixth year, remains committed to enhancing the quality of life of LGBTIQ individuals including those living with HIV, through the provision of information, consultation and psycho-social welfare services."