Increase resources for sexual health services, Momentum urges government

Momentum is urging government to step up its resources for sexual health services and improve access to testing amid a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Data cited by Momentum show that STI notifications increased from 262 in 2015 to 1,307 in 2025, as visits to genitourinary services also increased from 3,969 in 2015 to 7,461 last year.

The party said the expansion of public sexual health services had not kept pace with the increase in demand. It noted that services were historically concentrated at Mater Dei’s GU Clinic, with government beginning to decentralise provision through clinics in Mellieħa, Marsaxlokk and Victoria in 2023.

Momentum noted that patients were nevertheless reportedly facing waiting times of up to nine weeks for routine screening.

Momentum executive member Natasha Azzopardi attributed the pressure on public services to Malta’s population growth, arguing that increased demand had not been matched by the right investment.

The party is calling for a review of the capacity of Malta’s sexual health services, additional screening provision where required, and improved access to testing.

It also called for Malta’s National Sexual Health Strategy 2026–2030 to be adequately funded and implemented, alongside more emphasis on sexual health education and prevention. The movement said information on STI prevention, testing, treatment and contraception should be clear, evidence-based and accessible to Malta’s increasingly international population.

“Government cannot continue increasing the population without planning for the corresponding increase in demand on public services. Economic growth must go hand in hand with investment in the quality and capacity of the services that society depends on.”