Free community-led testing sessions next Thursday in Gozo

by Gozo News · March 23, 2025

Checkpoint Malta, through a partnership with the Reach Out Project, is hosting free community-led testing sessions for HIV, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Gozo in addition to its regular sessions in Valletta and Paola, Malta.

The next Gozo session will be held on Thursday, the 27th of March at the Xewkija Volunteer Centre, Gozo from 5-7pm.

Places are limited and booking is recommended. Walk-ins may be seen between 5-6pm. Free condoms and information about sexual health are also available. Bookings can be made via e-mail on testing@checkpoint.mt

The organisation said that testing sessions will be taking place throughout the year. Find the full schedule on the Checkpoint Malta social media pages such as Facebook and on Instagram @checkpointmalta

The organisation said that it also interested in opportunities for outreach testing sessions with specific groups, and at community or further education centres, even workplaces. “These are organised outside our scheduled sessions and can include general awareness raising and information sharing. Anyone interested in organising outreach testing sessions with us on Gozo can contact community@checkpoint.mt”

Checkpoint Malta said the testing is free, fast and confidential, with results being given in just 20 minutes during the appointment. Testing is carried out by trained, non-judgemental volunteers in safe, community-based spaces and is open to everyone. Fast track referrals for follow-up at GU Clinic and counselling will be organised when necessary.

It added that all sexually active adults are recommended to get regularly tested as part of their routine health care. “The only way to know your status is to get tested as most people will not show symptoms of infection.”

The organisation noted that Malta has one of the highest levels of HIV per capita in Europe and similarly high levels for other sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) which is why Checkpoint Malta said it has extended its service in 2025 to include tests for Syphilis, Hepatitis B & C.

“Early detection of HIV infection is crucial so people can go on treatment quickly to protect their immune system. With effective 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,” said the organisation.

This project is in partnership with the Reach Out Project and in collaboration with HIV Malta, LGBTI+ Gozo, the Human Rights Directorate, Sexual Health Malta, and the GU Clinic, and is supported by Agenzija Zghazagh through the BOOST scheme. Referrals will be made to the GU Clinic, as necessary, the organisation said.