SUPPORT
SUPPORT AVENUES
HIV MALTA
T: +356 2143 0009/ +356 9925 5559
hiv@maltagayrights.org
CHECKPOINT MALTA
community@checkpoint.mt
MALTA GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT
T: +356 2143 0009 / +356 9925 5559
mgrm@maltagayrights.org
GU CLINIC
T: 25457494
guclinic@gov.mt
AĠENZIJA SAPPORT
T: +356 2256 8000
sapport@gov.mt
HEADLINES
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HIV is Manageable with Treatment: While there is no cure for HIV, it can be effectively managed with medication. This medications helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives by reducing the viral load to undetectable levels, which also prevents transmission.
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U =U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): People with HIV who are on effective medication and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus to sexual partners. This concept, called U=U, is a crucial aspect of HIV prevention today.
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Global HIV Statistics: As of 2023, approximately 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Although the global number of new infections has decreased, certain regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, still have high rates of HIV transmission.
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Prevention with PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily pill that HIV-negative individuals can take to prevent infection. When taken consistently, PrEP is highly effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV.
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HIV Testing is Key: Regular HIV testing is essential for early detection and treatment. Many people with HIV are unaware of their status, which increases the risk of transmission and delays access to life-saving treatment.
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Stigma and Discrimination Persist: Despite advances in treatment and prevention, HIV-related stigma remains a significant barrier. This can discourage people from getting tested or seeking treatment, exacerbating the HIV epidemic.
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Mother-to-Child Transmission Can Be Prevented: With proper treatment during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child can be reduced to less than 1%.
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Vaccine Research Continues: While there is no HIV vaccine available yet, research is ongoing. Recent trials have shown some promise, but more work is needed to develop an effective and widely accessible vaccine.
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Ageing with HIV: Thanks to medication, many people with HIV are living into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. However, they may face additional health challenges related to ageing and long-term HIV management, such as cardiovascular disease and bone health issues.
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Access to Care Varies Globally: While medication is widely available, access to treatment in certain parts of the world remains a challenge.
CHECKPOINT
Checkpoint Malta is an NGO set up in 2019 joining an international network of independent ‘checkpoints’ which provide community HIV and STI testing, advocacy, information and support. Checkpoint Malta is run entirely by volunteers and funded through grants, sponsorship and donations.
Checkpoint Malta offers free, confidential monthly testing for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C in Valletta, Paola, and Xewkija, open to all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or residency status. Results are available within 20 minutes, with referrals for counselling and follow-up care as needed. Alongside this, they campaign for free access to PrEP and PEP—highly effective HIV prevention medications—which remain unaffordable for many despite Malta’s rising HIV rates. They also provide peer support meet-ups in Malta and Gozo for people living with HIV, offering a safe, empowering space to share experiences, reduce isolation, and improve mental wellbeing.
PARTNERS
