Community-led HIV testing starts on Tuesday in Valletta, NGO Checkpoint Malta said in a statement on Monday.
The testing is being carried out in collaboration
A group of NGOs has called for people to reduce physical contact and get tested after a rise in syphilis cases was reported by the genitourinary clinic at Mater Dei.
The statement, signed by ARC - Allied Rainbow Communities, Checkpoint Malta, LGBTI+ Gozo, MGRM and Preping Malta, appeals to people to focus on having a healthy sexual life and reiterated calls for a National Sexual Health Strategy.
“We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenging time for all members of our community. As we strive to connect with each other, we need to remain mindful of the importance of reducing physical contact in order to break the circuit and minimise the spread of COVID-19 and sexual transmitted infections (STIs). We urge any sexually active person to get tested and practise safer sex,” the NGOs said.