VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A shortage of a key HIV prevention pill in Malta is raising concerns among people living with HIV and health advocates, who warn that gaps in prevention could worsen transmission rates and increase pressure on patients.

Local stocks of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) expired earlier this month, leaving the drug unavailable through pharmacies. While PrEP is taken by HIV-negative individuals, it plays a crucial role in reducing new infections and protecting those already living with HIV from onward transmission.

Checkpoint Malta, an NGO working in sexual health and HIV awareness, said it began receiving alerts about the shortage just before Christmas. Since then, concerns have grown among patients and communities most affected by HIV.

“The government has pushed the free PrEP introduction again, so people can’t get it for free. And now they can’t even pay for it because there is no stock,” said Checkpoint Malta president Marc Buhagiar, noting that ordering the drug online is currently the only option.

Health authorities had pledged to introduce free PrEP, but a public tender for PrEP and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) has been delayed until 2026. A health ministry spokesperson said the government plans to begin providing both by the first quarter of 2026 and is “monitoring the situation” in the meantime.

Advocates warn that interruptions in prevention tools could have serious consequences for people living with HIV, who may face increased anxiety, stigma and health risks if new infections rise.

According to official figures, 721 people are currently living with HIV in Malta. In 2023, the country recorded its highest per capita rate of new HIV diagnoses in more than a decade, retaining the highest rate in Europe for the second consecutive year.

While HIV patients continue to receive state-funded treatment, campaigners argue that prevention gaps threaten to undermine years of progress in HIV care and control.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

NEWCASTLE (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United? No, thanks. Eddie Howe has immediately withdrawn from the running for the Red Devils’ job, which has become available following the dismissal of Amorim. “The most important thing for me is the happiness I have at work, the relationships I have with the people around me,” the Newcastle manager explained, responding to those who asked him about a possible move to Old Trafford.

“Things can change at any football club, but right now I’m very happy here and will continue to be so as long as I can express myself in the best way possible and be the best version of myself.” Howe knows he enjoys the trust of the Saudi owners. “For a club to be successful, there must be unity from top to bottom, there must be a good atmosphere among everyone,” he added.

“I’ve always had an extraordinary relationship with the board of directors, and that has never changed. I consider myself very fortunate to have all this, because very few coaches have the time to build these relationships. Having mutual trust and confidence is really important. I hope it stays that way for a long time.”

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Ruben Amorim’s dismissal will inevitably have repercussions on Manchester United’s transfer strategies, with departures potentially frozen and surprise returns.

Such is the case for Marcus Rashford, who was sidelined by the Portuguese manager, first joining Aston Villa in the second half of last season and then Barcelona. The English striker is under contract with the Red Devils until 2028; the Blaugrana aren’t so keen on making him permanent, and without Amorim, the player might even consider a return to Old Trafford. Other players in the squad are also considering their futures: according to the Mail, Kobbie Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee—wanted by Roma—and Manuel Ugarte were all ready to leave this transfer window had Amorim remained, but given the change of manager, their departures are no longer a given.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Liam Rosenior is officially the new manager of Chelsea. Following a press conference held this morning in Strasbourg to announce his acceptance to the Blues, the 41-year-old Englishman was announced by the London club as the successor to Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day. Rosenior has signed a long contract until 2032, making this his first Premier League experience.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Three Maltese artworks are being exhibited together abroad for the first time at the Gallerie d’Italia in Naples, highlighting a significant artistic collaboration between Malta and Italy.

The works form part of Un altro seicento: L’arte delle donne nel Viceregno (An alternative 17th century: Women’s art in the Viceroyalty), an international exhibition re-examining Baroque art through the contribution of women artists.

At the centre of the Maltese contribution is a rarely displayed painting by Maria de Dominici, on loan from the Parish Church of the Assumption in Attard through the Archdiocese of Malta. The painting, depicting the Virgin Mary with plague saints Roch and Nicholas of Bari, is shown alongside two related works by Mattia Preti, de Dominici’s presumed mentor.

The display was conceived by Prof. Keith Sciberras of the University of Malta, who said it highlights the artistic dialogue between the Maltese artist and Preti, underscoring cultural and artistic links between Malta and Italy in the 17th century.

De Dominici (1645–1703), believed to have studied under Preti before establishing her own studio in Rome, is recognised as Malta’s earliest known woman painter. Her inclusion places Maltese art within a broader Mediterranean context.

Ahead of the exhibition, the Attard painting was restored by Maltese conservators ReCoop, with support from the Gallerie d’Italia. The conservation revealed original colours, earlier restorations and adjustments made by the artist herself.

The Archdiocese of Malta oversaw the loan, with senior collections officer Dr Matthias Ebejer noting that such international collaborations strengthen institutional ties and bring Malta’s cultural heritage to wider audiences.

The exhibition runs until 22 March 2026.

– photo Archdiocese of Malta –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government said it is closely following developments in Venezuela and has called for de-escalation, stability and a peaceful, democratic solution to the crisis.

In a statement, an Office of the Prime Minister spokesperson stressed that “under all circumstances, respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter is essential.”

The comments came after US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would take control of Venezuela, with US oil companies sent in to repair what he described as “badly broken infrastructure.”

The Maltese government said it would remain in close contact with European Union partners as the situation unfolds.

It also said it would continue to urge for an end to escalation and for stability in the South American country.

Meanwhile, the opposition Nationalist Party (PN) urged a “democratic and peaceful” transition of power following the US capture of Venezuela’s president.

The PN echoed the EU’s cautious stance, while recalling that Malta had never recognised Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

“The PN has always believed in democracy and in the right of every country to be governed through democratic means,” a party spokesperson said, adding that Venezuelans are “yearning for democracy.”

The opposition stressed that any transition must fully respect human rights, international law and accountability.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – It is now official: Lazio have announced that they have permanently transferred player Valentín Castellanos to West Ham United Football Club. Castellanos, who joined Lazio in the summer of 2023 from New York City, leaves the Biancocelesti after making 98 appearances and scoring 22 goals. “The entire club would like to thank Taty for his contribution and wishes him and his family all the best for the future,” the statement reads.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Just a few months ago it would have seemed impossible, but according to the spanish press Vinicius is now on the market. Yesterday the Real Madrid forward was booed by the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, and relations with the club and head coach Xabi Alonso are reportedly far from ideal. Los Blancos do not want to risk losing him on a free transfer in June 2027, and contract renewal talks are said to be at a standstill, having quickly turned into a breaking point. Obviously, a major offer will be required and, according to The Guardian, Chelsea are ready to challenge Saudi clubs by putting £135 million (around €155 million) on the table.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United has sacked Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim. The English club announced the news in a statement.

“Ruben Amorim has resigned from his role as manager of Manchester United,” the statement read. “Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to the Europa League final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sixth in the Premier League, the club’s board has decided that now is the right time for a change. This will give the team the best possible chance of achieving the highest possible Premier League position. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him all the best for the future. Darren Fletcher will lead the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”

– photo by IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews