Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530615
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS strategy is finally birthed for sex workers, offering a holistic, pa- tient-centred approach that addresses medical, psychosocial, and substance abuse needs, in collaboration with gov- ernment and NGOs. 3. Migrants: The strategy also focuses on migrants, a group that NGOs such as Aditus Malta had previously raised concerns about being neglected. It aims to address and overcome barriers to sexual health care by offering culturally and linguistically appropriate services, while collaborating with NGOs to en- hance access and support. 4. Sexual assault: Additionally, the strategy seeks to strengthen multidisci- plinary responses to sexual assault, fo- cusing on victim-centred care, sensitive interviews, and proper forensic spec- imen handling, as well as enhancing training for healthcare providers and reducing barriers to reporting, especial- ly for vulnerable groups. 5. Gender-affirming genital surger- ies: It also includes plans to explore agreements with expert centres for gen- der-affirming genital surgeries (bottom surgeries) in line with international best practices. Contraception 6. Emergency contraception: The strategy proposes adding the emergen- cy contraception pill to the national formulary to improve access, along- side clear pathways for contraceptive advice. Investigative exercises carried out by MaltaToday over the years have highlighted ongoing barriers to access, particularly due to conscientious objec- tion, which allows pharmacists to refuse to dispense the pill if it conflicts with their moral or religious beliefs. 7. Free contraceptives: The strate- gy also includes providing free barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, to all individuals aged 16 and over. It propos- es funding modern contraceptives (e.g., IUDs, implants, oral contraceptives) and surgical options, starting with vul- nerable groups. 8. Minors seeking services: It is also stated that it was also essential to bal- ance sexual health needs and parental rights when minors seek SRHR services, through inter-ministerial legal and pol- icy discussions. 9. Free menstrual products: More- over, following the success of a pilot project, the strategy proposes that the provision of free menstrual products in schools should continue, alongside ongoing efforts to educate children and youth about menstrual health and body positivity. Expanding GU services 10. Integrated GU services: The strat- egy also calls for the continued inte- gration of GU services across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, expand- ing them into secondary care hubs and community clinics. This includes in- creasing trained staff, laboratory capac- ity, and IT systems, as well as providing psychosocial support and exploring vir- tual consultations to improve access. 11. HIV: HIV testing will be expanded, alongside the provision of free pre-ex- posure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk populations, with a focus on raising awareness and reducing stigma. Additionally, the regulation of medical devices, such as HIV self-tests and con- doms, will be strengthened to ensure their reliability and provide necessary support. 12. HPV: Regarding HPV, the strategy states that the promotion of HPV vac- cination should be expanded to include all genders, and offered to key popula- tions at risk. It was also recommended that cervi- cal cancer screening should shift from liquid-based cytology to primary HPV testing for all women and people with a cervix, and HPV screening should be implemented for men who have sex with men (MSM) in line with clinical guidelines. More education for children and youth 13. Sexual education: The strategy also proposes the formation of a perma- nent working group, involving repre- sentatives from the Health and Educa- tion Ministries, along with stakeholders from state, church, and independent schools, to ensure that comprehensive, evidence-based sexuality education is delivered to all primary and secondary students in Malta and Gozo. Reactions from stakeholders Reacting to the strategy, Checkpoint Malta welcomed the government's announcement to provide free PrEP and PEP but called for these services to be made universally available to all who need them. The organisation said these medications should be provided regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status, in order for the initiative to be truly effective in reducing HIV transmission in Malta. The NGO also urged the government to implement opt-out HIV testing for all hospital admissions and individuals requiring blood tests, to help scale up HIV testing and enable early diagnosis. MGRM echoed this call, emphasising that incorporating opt-out HIV testing in hospitals and during routine blood tests is crucial for early diagnosis and effective prevention. They also commended the move to provide free PrEP and PEP, describing it as "significant progress in public health and HIV prevention." Meanwhile, the Women's Rights Foundation responded with mixed feelings, commenting: "Finally! In a country with a near-total ban on abortion, this should have been done long ago. As it stands, it is more than eight years overdue, but we suppose it's better late than never. We now await its implementation." Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela