December 1 marked World AIDS Day and the results published showed a shocking increase in victims, particularly when you consider that most of them are in their 20s.

These results prove that the victims of AIDS are not solely male or, as most people strangely believe, homosexual males. The fact that there are seven new female victims is evidence that AIDS is a common concern for all people, from all walks of life, regardless of age, marital status or even sexual preference. I am stating this in view of the fact that homosexuals, particularly men, are restricted from donating blood simply because they are homosexual, and the argument has always been that homosexuals are at a greater risk of contracting the deadly disease.

In fact in a report published by the WHO regarding AIDS and HIV in Malta to date, it is indicated that of the 65 HIV cases reported, 33 were through heterosexual contact, four through injecting drug use, whereas only 17 were through MSM (Men who have sex with men).

These results should prove to the authorities that AIDS is not only a homosexual disease but is also contracted by heterosexual males and females. Preventing homosexual males from donating blood simply because they are homosexual, and open about it, is not only unreasonable, but is in fact preventing homosexual males from having the opportunity to save somebody's life.

It is time to remove the ridiculous requirement of being heterosexual in order to donate blood, when what is important is that the donor is healthy, which can be checked when the blood is taken.