Promotion of sexual and reproductive health

The Government of Malta is fully committed to the promotion of sexual and reproductive health. This includes the protection of the right of women to have control over and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, the timing and number of children, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. A number of sexual and reproductive health-care services are provided within the national public healthcare system, including: family planning, safe motherhood including high quality gynaecological, prenatal, delivery and postpartum care, infertility treatment, assisted reproduction, prevention, confidential testing, diagnosis and treatment of reproductive tract infections, STIs and HIV/AIDS, prevention and treatment of reproductive cancers and maternal morbidities.

Modes of engagement:

• Budgetary and financial
  Malta has allocated a separate budget line for the advancement of sexual health (health ministry) in the most recent national budget for 2020-2021. Funds have been sourced for research regarding prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C, and a separate.
• Change or creation of legislation
  Launch of the National Sexual Health Policy in 2010, was followed by the introduction of the National Sexual Health Strategy, which was formulated through widespread consultation with representatives of society. This is currently under review.
• Policy and guidance
  The National Sexual Health Strategy is being revised in line with a new National Health Strategy for 2020-2030, with a focus on prevention and primary care.