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.
Local LGBT+ Groups have published a joint statement urging the practice of safe sex and GU Clinic checkups following an outbreak of Syphilis and other STIs from “Group Chemsex Parties.”
ARC – Allied Rainbow Communities, Checkpoint Malta, LGBTI+ Gozo, MGRM – Malta LGBTIQ Rights Movement, Preping Malta all signed the statement. The organisations called once again on medical authorities to engage in discussions towards the best possible long-term strategy. “We urge any sexually active person to get tested and practice safer sex,” they wrote.
This statement came after a warning issued by the GU Clinic at Mater Dei over a rise in STIs in Malta among men who reported they attended group sex parties. “Over the last six months, these events have been going on and over these last weeks we’ve seen some really bad cases of STIs at the GU Clinic,” reported Head of the clinic, Dr Valeska Padovese.