HIV Cases In Malta Reach 754 In 2025

Jun 26 2025

In response to a parliamentary question by Hon. Ivan Bartolo, Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela confirmed a steady rise in the number of HIV cases in Malta from 2020 onwards.

According to the Minister, by the end of 2020, there were 457 recorded cases of HIV. This figure rose to 539 in 2021, 612 in 2022, and 650 in 2023. By the end of 2024, the number had increased to 696. As of this year, the total stands at 754 cases.

These figures are cumulative, meaning they include cases carried over from previous years. The Minister also clarified that the data includes foreign nationals who tested positive for HIV in Malta but may have subsequently left the country or not continued treatment locally.

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. It can be prevented through safe practices such as using condoms, avoiding the sharing of needles, and by taking preventative medication like PrEP.

#MaltaDaily

819 Skin Cancer Cases Recorded By Mid-2025

Jun 26 2025

In response to a parliamentary question, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, confirmed that the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in Malta has risen significantly in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Minister revealed that between January 2025 and 15 June 2025, 819 cases of skin cancer were diagnosed, compared to 576 cases recorded during the same timeframe last year. He added that reports for both years are still being submitted and are currently undergoing verification and validation.

To reduce this risk, individuals are advised to use sunscreen with a high SPF and seek shade especially between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are strongest, and wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses.

Taking these preventive measures seriously can help minimise the risk of skin cancer, particularly during Malta’s intense summer months.

#MaltaDaily

Alarms Raised Over Dolphin Welfare At Mediterraneo Marine Park

Jun 26 2025

Petitions have been launched as concerns have re-emerged over the welfare of dolphins at Mediterraneo Marine Park.

‘NEW footage of Mediterraneo Marine Park in Malta depicts captive dolphins living in murky tanks, with no shade’, footage by Dolphin Project and Empty The Tanks Worldwide shows.

‘Based on local reports it is believed that the filtration system may be broken’, the post explains.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dolphin Project (@dolphin_project)

‘With temperatures in Malta currently reaching 30°C, lack of shade is an alarming concern (in the wild dolphins are able to dive deep to escape direct sunlight and sunburns).’

The post reports how three dolphins, Onda, Mar and Melita, died in August and September of 2021, with an investigation by the Commissioner for Animal Welfare saying that the most likely cause of death was lead poisoning.

At least two petitions have been launched to release and/or relocate the dolphins to where they can live safer and freer.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Defends Fifth Place At European Athletics Team Championships In Maribor

Jun 26 2025

Team Malta concluded the European Athletics Team Championships in Maribor, Slovenia, securing fifth place.

The Maltese squad competed in the Third Division, which featured fifteen nations, including most GSSE countries as well as larger nations such as Bosnia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Iceland topped the final standings and will be promoted to Division Two alongside Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Highlights from the second day included Gina McNamara doubling her success by winning the 1500m in 4:27.22, following her victory in the 800m. Rachela Pace, who had already claimed first place in the long jump, contributed further points with a third-place finish in the triple jump, continuing her impressive season.

Other notable performances were delivered by 18-year-old Benjamin Salnitro, who secured third place in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.98 seconds; Nicolai Bonello, who took third in the pole vault clearing 4.35m; and Luke Micallef, who also finished third in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 9:16.16.

In the competition’s final event, the 4x400m mixed relay, Team Malta set a new national record. Nick Bonett, Martha Spiteri, Matthew Galea Soler and Gina McNamara crossed the finish line in 3:26.79.

#MaltaDaily