LGBTI+ Gozo, together with HIV Malta have welcome the development towards what they said is “better care for people living with HIV in Gozo.”

They explained that, “in January this year, people living with HIV were suddenly informed that their life-saving medication would no longer be available from Mater Dei and the Gozo General Hospital, and instead, they would need to travel every few weeks to one of a small number of pharmacies in Malta, in order to procure their medication.”

“For patients who live in Gozo, this meant that the closest pharmacy was in Mellieha, leaving many Gozitans and Gozo based residents in a perilous position and unable to safely access their medication in the midst of a pandemic. The decision was highly criticised by both organisations,” they said.

LGBTI+ Gozo and HIV Malta said that they have recently been made aware that in the coming days, people living with HIV who reside in Gozo will be contacted in order to resume collection of their prescribed medication from the Gozo General Hospital.

The organisations stressed that “the resumption of this service, through the collaborative effort of the relevant authorities, is a much needed step towards equity with all Gozo residents.” Those individuals who live in Gozo and do not receive any information about their medication in the coming days are being asked to get in touch with LGBTI+ Gozo.

LGBTI+ Gozo together with HIV Malta highlighted how “people living with HIV are grossly stigmatised in various aspects of their lives. It is necessary to create a dialogue and a long term strategy to protect the livelihood and safeguard the mental health of those who live with HIV.”

The organisations reflected that the challenges are a “byproduct of a larger issue,” and called for more open and timely communication channels from and between relevant stakeholders, including civil society.” They also restated the need for HIV medication to be mainstreamed and accessible through Pharmacy of Your Choice across Malta and Gozo.

“This would bring much needed peace of mind to all people living with HIV, both in Malta and in Gozo. The mainstreaming of all health services for people living in Gozo is and should be a priority when legislation is being drafted and contracts negotiated,” they said.

Lobby groups such as LGBTI+ Gozo said that they remain “constantly attentive to ensure that Gozitans and Gozo based individuals are not forgotten.”

LGBTI+ Gozo’s counselling and support helpline services are reachable at 9935 6622.

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