Following months of public consultation and wider national discussion on sexual and reproductive health services in Malta, the Government has officially launched the National Sexual Health Strategy 2026–2030. The strategy builds on a process that began in December 2024, when a draft was published for public consultation, which ran until February 2025. During this period, feedback was received from civil society organisations, government entities and members of the public, helping shape the final framework.

The launch comes at a time when sexual health services in Malta have increasingly been viewed as needing modernisation and expansion, particularly in areas such as prevention, testing and access to contraception. The strategy has been widely described as a long awaited and much needed step forward following years of calls for updated policy in this area.

During the launch, Jo Etienne Abela said the strategy is based on evidence and a human rights approach, in line with guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). He stressed that despite progress achieved through the previous national strategy, new challenges continue to emerge over time and require a coordinated response.

The strategy includes a number of measures already being implemented, including the strengthening of genitourinary services through the GU Clinic, wider access to HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, the introduction of free PrEP and the extension of the PEP service. It was also announced that several modern contraceptive methods will be introduced free of charge in the near future, alongside a national condom distribution initiative.

The Minister also announced that transgender persons will soon be able to be referred for gender affirmation surgery abroad through Malta’s public healthcare system.

The strategy was shaped through extensive consultation involving government entities, civil society organisations and members of the public, ensuring a more inclusive approach focused on real needs and lived experiences.

Dr Abela appealed for continued collaboration between all stakeholders to further strengthen sexual health as a key pillar of public health and societal wellbeing in Malta and Gozo.