New campaign against sexually transmitted diseases launched

The Health Division is launching a new campaign on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, Ray Busuttil Director-General of Health, said today.

Speaking at a press conference to mark World Aids Day, he said that there are 109 people - Maltese and foreigners - living with HIV and Aids in Malta.

There were five new cases of Aids and 24 of HIV so far this year, compared to two and 16 respectively for the whole of 2007, but this year’s figures are similar to those in 2006.

Dr Busuttil said that compared to other countries, the spread of HIV and Aids from drug abuse was very small in Malta, something, which, he said, was a tribute to the people who worked with drug abusers.

He said that figures on other sexually transmitted diseases might not show the real pictures since not all such diseases were officially reported. It was clear, however, that the trend was towards an increase. For instance, there were 92 new reported cases of chlamydia this year.

He said the new campaign was based the UN guidelines focused on abstinence, being faithful, using condoms and not taking drugs, as well as getting tested frequently.