Following a successful pilot project run at the end of 2022 Checkpoint Malta continues its series of community-led HIV testing sessions on Malta and Gozo.

Gozo testing kicks off this week on Thursday, the 16th of February from 4-7pm at The JAM Project in Victoria and there are still some slots available.

Testing is free, confidential and fast with results in 20 minutes. ‘Testing Thursdays’ are scheduled monthly throughout the year in Valletta and Victoria.

Appointments are limited so booking is recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted, if there is availability, between 4-6pm only.

Bookings can be made via e-mail on info@checkpoint.mt. The full schedule for 2023 ‘Testing Thursdays’ is available on the Checkpoint Malta Facebook page.

The organisers said that testing is undertaken by trained volunteers in a non-judgemental environment and is open to everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation or resident status.

Fast track referrals for follow up at GU Clinic, Gozo Sexual Health Clinic and counselling will be organised when necessary, it said.

It is recommended that all sexually active adults get regularly tested. Early detection of HIV infection is ideal as people can start effective treatment to protect their immune system and live a full, healthy and long life.

Checkpoint Malta explained that with treatment, people can reduce the amount of HIV in their body to an undetectable viral load, which also means that they cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partners. This is known as U=U, Undetectable = Untransmittable.

‘Warren’ who used the service during our short pilot project last year said, “regular testing should be seen as a ‘normal’ part of life in the same way you would get your teeth checked every now and then. I recently supported this initiative and set my mind at rest by getting checked at a walk-in community centre in Victoria.”

He added that there are “no long waiting times for appointments. The service was friendly, welcoming and discrete. I felt like I had walked into someone’s living room not a clinical setting.”

This project is run by NGO Checkpoint Malta in collaboration with the GU Clinic, HIV Malta and Sexual Health Malta and on Gozo also with The JAM Project.

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