Humanising HIV & Empowering a Community  

🇲🇹 Aqra bil-Malti 🇲🇹

WE ARE POSITIVE is an ongoing campaign humanising HIV and building a PLHIV (People Living with HIV) community intending to promote sexual health and rights for all in Malta.

Launched on 18th May 2024, We Are Positive has been focusing on community activism and art. With several actions, artistic interventions, and activities, we have been engaging the public and specific communities in discussion and action about HIV and sexual health.

Mission

WE ARE POSITIVE asks everyone to ‘walk in the shoes’ of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We aim to put the HUMAN at the forefront of discussions about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). A virus that can affect any one of us. 

We are challenging this stigma and calling for change to meet the UNAIDS goals to prevent new cases of HIV and eradicate AIDS by 2030 and for the Maltese sexual health policies to change for the better. 

There is a great institutional and cultural stigma, resulting in the lack of effective policy and understanding, which has affected all things sexual in the Maltese Islands. One of the most unacceptable effects of this is the high level of HIV within our society. By humanising and bringing the topic of HIV out into the open, we aim to encourage, challenge, discuss, and promote change.

-   We aim to encourage empowerment, share positive life stories and build a stronger PLHIV community. 

-   We will use this opportunity to unite PLHIV and other relevant NGOs to voice what needs changing to the health ministry and policymakers through our actions.

-   We wish to learn from every action to find what is required to build a community successfully and grow the volunteer base of Checkpoint Malta to engage with and fight for the necessary changes. Please get in touch in confidence if you would like to join us, your anonymity will be respected: community@checkpoint.mt 

Past Actions and Accomplishments

1. Artistic intervention (May 2024):

At The LOVE Monument in St Julian’s, We Are Positive had its first action held on the 18th-25th of May 2024. This action was put in place to highlight the human element of those living with HIV, the stigma that is still tied to living with the virus, and the importance of regular HIV and sexual health screening by increasing access to information about why everyone should know their HIV status and how and where to get tested.

Coinciding with the start of European Testing Week 2024, we wrapped Malta’s symbolic LOVE Monument with 620 HIV self-testing kit boxes to start a conversation. The general public was encouraged to engage with the art installation by taking off a box. Inside, one found a card and a sticker with where to get tested for HIV and other STIs and a QR code link to further information about how and why and more about the campaign.

This action was a huge success, with a high public interaction rate. 620 test boxes taken in under 24 hrs and 400 website views in one week. Checkpoint Malta Secretary Jackie Roberts, who worked on the installation with artist Emma Grima, said:

"We could not have dreamed of a more overwhelming public response. It just goes to show how spot on Emma's original idea was: how to engage the general public with HIV on a human level. I think the installation really did appeal to people and sparked their desire to know more about HIV. There has been a massive spike on the web page too, so people are really engaging with the issue just as we hoped. The success of this public intervention should prompt more people to know their status by getting tested and to take better care of their sexual health. More testing means the reduction of HIV”

2.    Monthly Peer Support: 

Checkpoint Malta introduced monthly meet-ups to create a safe, confidential space for PLHIV to connect, share experiences, and find their voice. Please get in touch in confidence if you would like to join us, your anonymity will be respected:  community@checkpoint.mt

3.  PRIDE Celebrations (September 2024):

Checkpoint Malta participated in the Malta and Gozo PRIDE organising HIV screenings, sexual health sessions, and a dedicated meet-up for PLHIV. They also joined the PRIDE marches, with a colourful banner emphasising the U=U Undetectable is Untransmittable message and wearing t-shirts expressing community and support.

4.   Advocacy for PrEP and PEP:

A petition was launched to demand free access to PrEP and PEP in Malta, aiming to improve HIV prevention measures.

5.    Autumn European Testing Week (November 2024):

Another big push was made to promote testing. 

6.    World AIDS Day Rally (December 1, 2024):

Malta’s first-ever rally for World AIDS Day celebrated all elements of the We Are Positive message, giving visibility to HIV, fighting stigma, humanising HIV and remembering those lost to AIDS and celebrating those currently living with HIV while demanding action and change.

This action brought Checkpoint Malta, HIV Malta, MGRM, Moviment Graffitti, LGBTI+ Gozo, ARC - Allied Rainbow Communities, and Aditus to form a coalition, advocating for improved sexual health and better mitigation matters in terms of HIV, showing clearly that the public wants a change to reduce HIV-transmission and HIV-related stigma.  

The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is an International Day of Remembrance for all those lost to the AIDS epidemic, but it also serves to fight HIV-related stigma. The WHO’s theme for this World AIDS Day was 'Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!' with a call to action by leaders and citizens to champion the right to health by addressing the inequalities and stigmas that hinder progress in ending AIDS. In Malta, 40 years after the first AIDS case was reported locally, many people still keep their HIV status secret due to the stigma and shame linked to this now chronic condition. Many people are still not informed about HIV, which can affect each and every person regardless of race, gender identity and sexual orientation.

We were heartened by the response from activists, allies and members of the public who rose to the call to join the We Are Positive: Time for Action rally. This protest was the first ever held in Malta for World AIDS Day and judging by the response it will not be the last! We pledge to continue to stand up and make our voices heard. The rally was successful because activists from key NGOs worked together and turned up to call for action, inspired by speakers from Checkpoint Malta; MGRM/HIV Malta, and Moviment Graffitti. The rally was hosted in a lively and upbeat way by Maltese TV presenter Angie Laus, accompanied by drummers from Moviment Graffitti, and ended with a flash mob dance routine by members of MMSA Malta.

7. Get Tested, Know your Status!

Checkpoint Malta organises community-led, free, fast and anonymous:

• HIV testing

• Syphilis testing

Results in just 20 minutes! HIV testing is a simple step which can save your life, and the lives of those around you. Early detection of HIV and starting effective treatment means you can live a long, healthy life with levels of the virus becoming undetectable and therefore untransmittable to sexual partners. Get tested, stay informed, and let’s break the stigma together. 

We do monthly testing on Malta (Valletta, Paola) and Gozo. To make an appointment or gain more information about testing. Contact us here: testing@checkpoint.mt 

Campaign Results 

Over the past year, we brought the stigma and silence surrounding HIV in Malta to the forefront, working as part of a coalition of Maltese NGOs to demand just and inclusive policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Just one week after organising Malta's first-ever rally for World AIDS Day, the government responded by announcing plans to update Malta's long overdue sexual health policies. This includes a major milestone we had been advocating for: free access to HIV prevention treatments for everyone. For the first time since 2010, Malta’s Sexual Health Strategy is open for public consultation and poised for an update.

We will continue pressing as a coalition to make sure that the policy changes that are being made will happen in a positive direction. We welcome the step for free PrEP and PEP, but call for it to be free for all that require it, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, and immigration status for this introduction to be effective in stemming the tide of HIV in Malta.

We will not stop here, as this is an ongoing campaign towards an effective, just and inclusive sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy for Malta and Gozo.

 What’s next? 

-   A multi-media documentary project highlighting the stories of PLHIV in Malta.

-   Ongoing Monthly meetups for PLHIV

-   Community-led, free, fast, anonymous regular HIV testing in Malta and Gozo

• Make an appointment or gain more information about testing. Contact us here: testing@checkpoint.mt  

• Stay up-to-date, check our socials!  FB: CheckpointMalta Insta: @CheckpointMalta 

Or get in touch with any of your questions by emailing:  community@checkpoint.mt 

• If you would like to make a financial donation; join our advisory board; become a community testing volunteer or offer your time and expertise to Checkpoint Malta in some other way please contact our President Marc Buhagiar info@checkpoint.mt We will be delighted to hear from you.

Anonymity is always respected when reaching out!

Background & Acknowledgements 

The project was devised and created by artist Emma Grima, who approached Checkpoint Malta in 2023 to seek collaboration. We Are Positive is now led and run by artist Emma Grima and NGO Checkpoint Malta. From the beginning, we outsourced and formed a working group and alliance with other local NGOs on our major actions. We have also adopted a transnational working approach, which has gained help, support and sponsorship internationally.

Working Group

NGOS: Checkpoint Malta, HIV Malta, MGRM, Moviment Graffitti, LGBTI+ Gozo, ARC - Allied Rainbow Communities, and Aditus

Team of Individuals: Emma Grima (Interdisciplinary Artist), Jackie Roberts and Marc Buhagiar (Checkpoint Malta), Robert Attard (MGRM/HIV Malta), Silvio Micallef and Angele Deguara (Moviment Graffitti), Catherine Camilleri (LGBTI+ Gozo),
Moussa Hammoud (ARC Malta), Neil Falzon (Aditus Foundation)

Help, Support and Sponsorship: Newfoundland Diagnostics - Anna Tucker, Ilya Krougly, Johannes Herrman and Freddie Jackson, AM Mangion Ltd., Sexual Health Malta - Maria Axisa & Jake Curti, European Alternatives - Myriam Zekagh, European Testing Week 2024, Project TRACE - Joana Brilhante and Nuno Barbosa, Richard England, Flynther -Gidon Dorgelo, Angie Laus

Articles  

1. Times of Malta article on HIV stigma
   Times of Malta. (n.d.) It’s the stigma killing people with HIV. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/it-stigma-killing-people-hiv.1092671 (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

2. Malta Today’s article on Art installation
   Malta Today. (n.d.) Art installation at Love Monument encourages people to test for HIV. Available at: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/129398/art_installation_at_love_monument_encourages_people_to_test_for_hiv (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

3. Times of Malta article on Checkpoint Malta’s anniversary
   Times of Malta. (n.d.) HIV awareness NGO Checkpoint Malta turns five. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/hiv-awareness-ngo-checkpoint-malta-turns-five.1098062?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawHsrzBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZ6d-iEU9bS4XG3qYdJYs2fFcFMSq5Twh6iPvlKH7BlFrmyYJocZsypO6A_aem_ol8rqd8JfmUQNiZrpb0V6w#Echobox=1726410210 (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

4. The Independent article on HIV diagnosis rates in Malta
   The Independent. (2024) Malta’s HIV diagnosis rates one of the highest in Europe due to lack of free preventive medication. 1 December. Available at: https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2024-12-01/local-news/Malta-s-HIV-diagnosis-rates-one-of-the-highest-in-Europe-due-to-lack-of-free-preventive-medication-6736266188?fbclid=IwY2xjawHsxJdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWrZfyypmdByjpDxoRQgh2H512OY8pC3hZKKwBKQDtCqotC6DmlucjuFtQ_aem_lYUtxP1hVPxKwWM_BW6VaQ (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

5. TVM News article on the World AIDS Day rally
   TVM News. (n.d.) First Malta rally on World AIDS Day. Available at: https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/first-malta-rally-on-world-aids-day/ (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

6. Malta Today's article on the revamped sexual health strategy
   Malta Today. (n.d.) Revamped sexual health strategy is finally birthed. Available at: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/132779/revamped_sexual_health_strategy_is_finally_birthed?fbclid=IwY2xjawHswtFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHb4XH0OmiXIL21d9Q8l_LAYYp5ZT7Kl94RTzYySDIWkh-CAxMh9j1v8Vjw_aem_Spgl96ZRG1RdkCghFrOK1Q (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

7. Times of Malta article on free preventive HIV treatment
   Times of Malta. (n.d.) Watch: Free preventive HIV treatment introduced next year. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/watch-free-preventive-hiv-treatment-introduced-next-year.1102151?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawHsw9FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVv58JJ9Oo3gM6sVZg1ty4h-g2hOMh40NC1gZg22OS8HFpLT-I59GxgV0g_aem__mLrUTt0x6ZWG2G2hkxhUg#Echobox=1733723631 (Accessed: 4 February 2025).

8. Aditus statement on free PrEP and PEP

Aditus. (n.d.) Joint NGO statement to announcement of free PrEP and PEP. Available at: https://aditus.org.mt/joint-ngo-statement-to-announcement-of-free-prep-and-pep/ (Accessed: 4 February 2025).