Health Minister Announces Free PEP & PrEP
The Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, has announced a new investment in public healthcare aimed at preventing HIV infection in Malta through the introduction of free access to PEP and PrEP. This initiative delivers on another electoral commitment and represents a significant step forward in strengthening prevention services.
Malta is aligned with the accelerated targets set by UNAIDS to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. In recent years, substantial investments have been made to ensure that people living with HIV have access to high-quality, specialist-led healthcare services and the latest treatment options. These measures allow individuals to achieve viral suppression, enjoy a good quality of life and have a normal life expectancy. This approach forms part of the internationally recognised concept of Treatment as Prevention, which also reduces the transmission of HIV within the wider population.
Minister Abela explained that, with immediate effect, two preventive medicines are being made available free of charge. PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, will now be accessible to anyone who may have been exposed to HIV, regardless of the type of exposure. Previously, free access to PEP was restricted to limited situations, such as occupational exposure or cases of sexual assault. Eligibility has now been extended to cover all forms of exposure, including consensual sexual exposure, other occupational exposure and any other potential exposure.
The second medicine introduced is PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, which is intended for individuals or key population groups who may be at risk or at potential risk of HIV exposure, in line with international guidelines. To access free PrEP, individuals must book an appointment at the Genitourinary Clinic in Malta or Gozo for a specialist assessment.
Minister Abela stated that this investment reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening public health and reducing inequalities in access to healthcare. By placing prevention at the centre of health policy and making PEP and PrEP available free of charge, the Government is ensuring that no one is left behind. He concluded that this evidence-based and rights-focused measure will contribute to a healthier population and support Malta’s progress towards eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
Members of the public are encouraged to contact healthcare professionals at the Genitourinary Clinic during clinic hours or attend a Primary Health Care Centre if the exposure was sexual. In cases of sexual assault, individuals should go directly to the Emergency Department, while occupational exposures should be reported to the relevant Infection Control Unit. Further information is available at www.sexualhealth.gov.mt.
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