During the summer months, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate (HPDP) is proud to launch a Sexual Health Campaign in collaboration with Bay Radio. The main aim of the campaign is to promote the use of condoms together with early testing of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexual health is indeed part of a healthy body. Optimal sexual health incorporates the ability to enjoy a healthier body, a satisfying sexual life, positive relationships and peace of mind. The main objectives of this campaign are to;
- Educate the general public about various STIs, their transmission and prevention
- Increase knowledge about the importance of condom use, and
- Encourage people to get tested early and regularly
This campaign is targeting the general population with a special emphasis on young individuals and males in their 50s. A research done by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) in 2017, found that there is a steady growth in new HIV cases in people over the age of 50, over the past 12 years. This potentially is a result of older people’s low awareness of HIV and its transmission. To address these issues HPDP uses various media to promote good sexual governance which targets different age groups. Radio and social media messages encourage people to speak more openly about sex and contraception, whereas posters and cinema advertisements promote condom use and early testing.
Malta has reported a drastic increase in STIs over the last decade and so, the health promotion department continuously collaborates with other entities, including the department of education and NGOs, to reach a wide range of people from different backgrounds, cultures and levels of education.
As part of this continuous yearly campaign the renowned Gozo Carnival was targeted along with Earthgarden festival and numerous boat parties. Thousands of condoms and sexual health promotion material were distributed to young people and adults alike to promote the use of this protective measure. The campaign will continue throughout the rest of the year and once again peaks around World AIDS Day on Saturday 1st December, 2018.
In addition to this, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate in collaboration with the University of Malta is offering sexual health advice and support services for both staff and students at the newly launched Health and Wellness Centre at the University.
Another aim of this year’s campaign is to encourage more people to test for HIV. An estimated 25% of those living locally with HIV are unaware of the infection. This significantly increases the risk of HIV transmission. In congruence with UNAIDS goal, this campaign is targeted at ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. One aspect is HIV status. By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status. To facilitate this, self-test kits have been introduced in various local pharmacies allowing individuals to test for HIV discretely and at their convenience. Last year, HIV rapid testing kits were also introduced at the GU clinic at Mater Dei hospital. These HIV tests are free-of-charge for patients attending the GU clinic providing results within 20 minutes.