Commemorating World AIDS Day today, the PN's Forum for Equal Opportunities (FOIPN) will strive to end new HIV transmission rates while standing against HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination, the PN said.

"Malta has the highest rate of new HIV cases at a time when 2/3 of EU/EEA countries are seeing a decrease in the rate of newly transmitted cases. "

The Nationalist party committed itself to making Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for free across Malta. PrEP is a combination drug which reduces the chances of acquiring HIV by over 99% and is recommended to people who engage in high-risk sexual activities which further exposes them to the virus.

"PN will also facilitate access to contraceptives, medication, and enhance testing services around Malta."

Moreover, the PN said that it will update the National Sexual Health Strategy to further address and educate on sexual health issues.

The aim is to reach the UNAIDS goal of zero new transmissions by 2030.

On a Facebook post today, Opposition leader Bernard Grech emphasized the importance of taking this issue seriously, recognize the fact that Malta has the highest new HIV cases, and tackle it accordingly.

HIV demands the same attention as Covid-19, said the founder of PrEPing Malta Dr Mark Josef Rapa. Just as Malta has confronted and managed the current Covid-19 pandemic, there should be no time wasted in managing the HIV issue, said Rapa.