Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530423
4 NEWS 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 11 DECEMBER 2024 THE government has an- nounced plans to add the emer- gency contraception pill to the National Formulary as part of its updated sexual health strategy. This announcement was made during the launch of the Nation- al Sexual Health Strategy at the Excelsior Hotel on Tuesday. Opening the event, Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela said the government is committed to promoting sexual health in a positive and forward-thinking manner, with a focus on edu- cation, prevention, and services that are aligned with the realities of today's society. This is the first time the sexual health strategy has been updat- ed since 2010, with NGOs and stakeholders empathising an up- dated strategy is the only way to protect vulnerable groups. "As we move forward, it is es- sential to consider the evolving social norms and the changing times," Abela said. "At the same time, we must ensure that our efforts are in harmony with the legal framework of our country." Abela also highlighted the im- portance of inclusivity and equi- ty within the strategy, especially for marginalised groups such as migrants, LGBTQ+ individu- als, and people with disabilities. "This is a core principle within our manifesto," he added. The health minister explained that the strategy was based on comprehensive research con- ducted in 2022 and 2023, which provided valuable insights into the attitudes, knowledge, and needs of the country's diverse and ever-evolving population. "Sexuality and sexual behavior are deeply personal and individ- ual. We are confident that these efforts will foster greater aware- ness and understanding within our society," Abela said. The strategy also included the continuation of free menstrual products in school settings fol- lowing the successful comple- tion of a pilot project. As well as to continue working with children and youth to educate on matters related to menstrual health and positive body images. Expanding HIV treatment and awareness As part of the strategy, the gov- ernment is also addressing on- going challenges in HIV preven- tion and care. The plan aims to expand HIV testing, improve ac- cess to treatment, and increase public awareness. Key initiatives include extending HIV testing services in health settings and implementing defined screening protocols for high-risk popula- tions. A major component of the strategy is to explore the possi- bility of offering rapid HIV test- ing in community settings, such as secondary care hubs and com- munity clinics. This initiative will make it easier for individuals to get tested in more accessible locations, helping to reduce bar- riers to testing. Additionally, the government is introducing measures to en- sure timely care for individuals who may have been exposed to HIV. This includes expanding access to Post-Exposure Proph- ylaxis (PEP), a treatment that can prevent HIV infection if taken soon after exposure. PEP will now be available to a wider range of individuals who may be at risk. The strategy also includes an expansion of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) availability, which will be provided free of charge to high-risk populations. PrEP is a preventive measure aimed at reducing the likelihood of new HIV infections. To further strengthen HIV prevention, the government is tightening regulations on med- ical devices such as Point-of- Care Testing (POCT) kits and self-testing options, as well as contraception methods like condoms. This regulatory over- sight aims to ensure that these essential tools are of high qual- ity, widely accessible, and effec- tive in preventing HIV trans- mission. Through these comprehensive measures, the government said it is working to improve the health and well-being of its popula- tion, ensuring that prevention, treatment, and care services are available to all, particularly those most at risk. Emergency contraception will be added to national formulary as part of updated sexual health strategy Long-awaited sexual health strategy is now open for public consultation, updated for the first time since 2010 LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt HEALTH Minister Jo Etienne Abela believes that the UK's approach to as- sisted dying could serve as a potential blueprint for Malta. He made these comments while responding to questions from the Times of Malta, during the launch of the National Sexual Health Strat- egy. Abela said he supports the idea of having a national discussion on euthanasia and confirmed that the government intends to push for the issue to be addressed in the new year. However, he also emphasised the importance of strengthening Mal- ta's palliative care system, reassur- ing the public that any debate on as- sisted dying would not undermine this commitment. "We believe that a robust palliative care approach could, in many cases, reduce the need for assisted dying," Abela said. "We are dedicated to enhancing and expanding palliative care, ensuring it remains a corner- stone of our healthcare system." In November, MPs in the UK House of Commons voted in favour of proposals to legalise assisted dy- ing in England and Wales. The bill, called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, would make it le- gal for individuals over the age of 18 who are terminally ill to receive assistance in ending their own life. Introducing a national discussion on euthanasia was part of the La- bour Party's electoral manifesto. Health Minister says UK's assisted dying bill could be blueprint for Malta Health minister Jo Etienne Abela (Photo: James Bianchi/ MaltaToday)