I have written before about the HIV epidemic that threatens Malta. There are some people whose sexual behaviour leads them to suspect they carry the HIV virus.

They choose not to be tested for the virus and do not use condoms when having casual sex. They also pretend they are clean and healthy and we all know what that really means.

Those with HIV should expect a life sentence in prison if it is shown they have infected, directly or indirectly, by accident or design, others. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. And life should mean life in cases like this.

HIV contamination is increasing and the sooner people realise they must be tested the better. Once the condition is diagnosed, medication should be prescribed, thus, avoiding the disease from being transmitted.

Untreated/ignored HIV infection must be taken very seriously by the government, the court, medical experts and the Church.

A spirited campaign to highlight carrier responsibility and outing such people on appropriate medication is fast becoming a priority health issue. I should add that the distribution of free condoms might help reduce transmission rates, as is happening in other European countries.