HIV prevention medication Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) have been made free, the government said.
The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, announced the new investment in the healthcare aimed at preventing HIV infection in our country.
Through this initiative, another electoral promise is being fulfilled, he said.
Malta is aligned with the accelerated targets of UNAIDS to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, a statement by the government read. It said that significant investments have already been made to ensure that people living with HIV have access to quality care services led by specialists and to up-to-date medication, "that enables them to achieve viral suppression and enjoy a good quality of life and a normal life expectancy. This forms part of the concept of 'Treatment as Prevention', which also reduces the transmission of the infection within the population in the interest of public health.!
Minister Jo Etienne Abela said that, as of today, two medications are being launched as free of charge. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) will be available to anyone who may have been exposed to HIV, regardless of the type of exposure. He explained that until now, PEP was available free of charge only in limited circumstances, such as occupational exposure or cases of rape. Eligibility for free PEP has now been extended to include all types of exposure, including consensual sexual exposure, other occupational exposures, or any other form of exposure.
The second medication announced is PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is indicated for individuals or key populations who may be at risk, or potential risk, of exposure to HIV, in line with international guidelines. To access free PrEP, individuals must make an appointment at the Genitourinary (GU) clinic in Malta or Gozo for an assessment by a specialist.
Minister Abela said that this investment in HIV prevention reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening public health and reduce inequalities in access to healthcare services. "By making PEP and PrEP available free of charge, we are placing prevention at the centre of our health policy and ensuring that no one is left behind. This is an evidence-based measure grounded in human rights and solidarity, which will contribute to a healthier population and to Malta continuing to progress towards the goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030," concluded Abela.
The public is encouraged to contact healthcare professionals at the GU clinic during clinic hours or to attend one of the Primary Healthcare Centres if the exposure was sexual. In cases of rape, individuals should go directly to the Emergency Department, while workplace exposures should be referred to the Infection Control Unit of the relevant health service.
More information about access to PEP and PrEP, as well as sexual health, can be found at www.sexualhealth.gov.mt.