The Maltese Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) cited a report from the Mater Dei genitourinary (GU) Clinic, stating that the spread of syphilis among the public has increased. 

”We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenging times to all members of our community. As we work hard to establish connections, we need to keep in mind to reduce physical contact to disconnect circuits and minimize COVID-19 and The importance of the spread of sexually transmitted infections,” said the NGO. 

MGRM works with the United Rainbow Community, Malta Checkpoint, LGBTI + Gozo and Preping Malta to encourage sexually active people to be tested and practice safer sex. “We once again call for the formulation of a national sexual health strategy based on scientific evidence and population needs.” 

The 2020 European Disease Surveillance Center’s report on syphilis found that there were 85 confirmed cases in Malta in 2018, equivalent to 17.9 per 100,000 population. The incidence has almost doubled: in 2014 it was 11.4, and only 48 cases were reported. 

This is the highest rate in Europe, followed by Luxembourg with a rate of 17.1. The population size is no less than that of Malta, so the rate may increase proportionally. And the United Kingdom (12.6).