500 People Expected To Benefit From Free PrEP Against HIV In Malta This Year

Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela told Parliament that an estimated 500 people are expected to benefit from free PrEP against HIV this year. The announcement came in…

Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela told Parliament that an estimated 500 people are expected to benefit from free PrEP against HIV this year.

The announcement came in response to parliamentary questions from MP Romilda Zarb about the medication, which has recently started being offered at no cost according to TVM News. 

Abela said the number of individuals receiving free PrEP is projected to increase by 50% in 2027 and to double by 2028.

On PEP, Abela explained that predicting demand is more difficult because it is an emergency treatment given only when needed. However, he added that as uptake of PrEP grows, demand for PEP is not expected to rise significantly.

Abela clarified that people at risk of HIV exposure are eligible for free PrEP, with prescriptions issued only after consultation and sexually transmitted disease screening at the GU Clinic. For PEP, any person in Malta who may have been exposed to HIV within the previous 72 hours is eligible.

Responding to questions about funding, the Minister said he had been informed that the estimated first-year budget stands at €366,000 for PrEP and €112,000 for PEP.

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